A Short History of Las Vegas

by Barbara Land, Myrick Land

Today’s Las Vegas welcomes 35 million visitors a year and reigns as the world’s premier gaming mecca. But it is much more than a gambling paradise. In A Short History of Las Vegas , Barbara and Myrick Land reveal a fascinating history beyond the mobsters, casinos, and showgirls. The authors present a complete story, beginning with southern Nevada’s indigenous peoples and the earliest explorers to the first pioneers to settle in the area; from the importance of the railroad and the construction of Hoover Dam to the arrival of the Mob after World War II; from the first isolated resorts to appear in the dusty desert to the upscale, extravagant theme resorts of today. Las Vegas—and its history—is full of surprises. The second edition of this lively history includes details of the latest developments and describes the growing anticipation surrounding the Las Vegas centennial celebration in 2005. New chapters focus on the recent implosions of famous old structures and the construction of glamorous new developments, headline-making mergers and multibillion-dollar deals involving famous Strip properties, and a concluding look at what life is like for the nearly two million residents who call Las Vegas home.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

292 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1999

Reviews

[John E]

Fun read showing the rise of "Sin City" and fights to keep it that way. The road from Mormon waystation to railroad town to construction camp for Boulder Dam to the rise of Mafia gambling to the corporate gaudiness of today is interesting to read about, but I've decided not to go back if I can help it.

[Eric]

This was definitely a great read about the history of Las Vegas, as it got closer to current times, I lost interest. Mainly because the copyright date of the book is 1999 and a lot has changed in almost a quarter of a century.

But the first 3/4s of the book I really enjoyed.

[John]

This is a nice brief history of the town which can make your stay here more enjoyable. There can be a lot more to Vegas than gambling, alchohol, and boobs. I highly recommend this if you plan to stay for a week or more.

[Elaine]

I loved it. Great concise history,It mentions the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort, and helped fuel the wierd fascination many people have for Howard Hughes.