Embedded Files
Bellagio
Bellagio
• Originally the Dunes Hotel (opened in 1955)
• Originally the Dunes Hotel (opened in 1955)
• 180 foot "Diamond of the Dunes" neon sign - the tallest in the world at the time - relit by the Neon Museum Sept 2025
• 180 foot "Diamond of the Dunes" neon sign - the tallest in the world at the time - relit by the Neon Museum Sept 2025
• Originally had an 18-hole golf course
• Originally had an 18-hole golf course
• Minsky's Follies - the first topless show in Vegas
• Minsky's Follies - the first topless show in Vegas
• Cost $1 billion to build in 1998 ($2 billion in today's dollars)
• Cost $1 billion to build in 1998 ($2 billion in today's dollars)
• 8.5 acre artificial lake, made from it's own on-site independent well
• 8.5 acre artificial lake, made from it's own on-site independent well
• Over 1,000 fountains
• Over 1,000 fountains
• 3 different size water-shooters:
• 3 different size water-shooters:
• Mini x798, height = 100 feet
• Mini x798, height = 100 feet
• Super shooter x192, height = 240 feet
• Super shooter x192, height = 240 feet
• Extreme shooter x16, height = 460 feet
• Extreme shooter x16, height = 460 feet
• Dancing Fountains x208 with additional 13 spares
• Dancing Fountains x208 with additional 13 spares
• 35 choreographed performances
• 35 choreographed performances
• 183 speakers located around the lakes perimeter
• 183 speakers located around the lakes perimeter
• 460 highest point that the jets of the Fountains of Bellagio reach
• 460 highest point that the jets of the Fountains of Bellagio reach
• 4,792 individual lights in the attraction
• 4,792 individual lights in the attraction
• 59,229,120 combined lumens emitted by the light bulbs of the Fountains of Bellagio
• 59,229,120 combined lumens emitted by the light bulbs of the Fountains of Bellagio
• Appeared in the ending of Ocean's 11 movie
• Appeared in the ending of Ocean's 11 movie
Boulder City
Boulder City
• One of two cities in Nevada that prohibit gambling - the other is Panaca
• One of two cities in Nevada that prohibit gambling - the other is Panaca
Caesars Palace
Caesars Palace
• Had a $1 million dollar party to celebrate opening in 1966 (about $10 million in today's dollars)
• Had a $1 million dollar party to celebrate opening in 1966 (about $10 million in today's dollars)
• 18 fountains
• 18 fountains
• 135 foot driveway with imported Italian Cypress trees
• 135 foot driveway with imported Italian Cypress trees
• $150,000 marble statues from Italy (about $1.5 million in today's dollars)
• $150,000 marble statues from Italy (about $1.5 million in today's dollars)
• 980 seat Circus Maximus Showroom
• 980 seat Circus Maximus Showroom
• Replica of the Winged Victor of Samothrace (headless figure near sidewalk on the Strip - also called the Niké of Samothrace, from the 190 B.C. - represents the goddess of victory Niké) - has been on display at the Louvre in Paris since 1884. The statue stands at the bow of a warship and representation of wind and sea represent struggle, destiny, and divine help. From Wikipedia - the Island of Samothrace was significant primarily as the home of the ancient Sanctuary of the Great Gods, a prominent center for a mystery cult that promised its initiates safety at sea and moral benefits.
• Replica of the Winged Victor of Samothrace (headless figure near sidewalk on the Strip - also called the Niké of Samothrace, from the 190 B.C. - represents the goddess of victory Niké) - has been on display at the Louvre in Paris since 1884. The statue stands at the bow of a warship and representation of wind and sea represent struggle, destiny, and divine help. From Wikipedia - the Island of Samothrace was significant primarily as the home of the ancient Sanctuary of the Great Gods, a prominent center for a mystery cult that promised its initiates safety at sea and moral benefits.
• Built 3 new high rises between 1970-1979, built another 26 story tower in 1997
• Built 3 new high rises between 1970-1979, built another 26 story tower in 1997
• Forum shops opened in 1992
• Forum shops opened in 1992
Circa
Circa
Original Location -
• The New Overland Hotel built in 1906, burned down in 1911, offered "Big Free Sample Room" for salesmen to display wares - prelude to modern convention vendors
• The New Overland Hotel built in 1906, burned down in 1911, offered "Big Free Sample Room" for salesmen to display wares - prelude to modern convention vendors
• 1917 became the Las Vegas Pharmacy with a 12 bed hospital upstairs until 1920, Las Vegas Pharmacy closes in 1955, part of the footprint remodeled and replaced by Sassy Sally's until late 1990's, when it's replaced by Mermaid's Casino
• 1917 became the Las Vegas Pharmacy with a 12 bed hospital upstairs until 1920, Las Vegas Pharmacy closes in 1955, part of the footprint remodeled and replaced by Sassy Sally's until late 1990's, when it's replaced by Mermaid's Casino
• Another part of the footprint became the Las Vegas Club in 1931 - used to have the tallest neon sign on Fremont Street (120 feet) - (gambling offered automatic wins on any 6 card total under 21 in Blackjack)
• Another part of the footprint became the Las Vegas Club in 1931 - used to have the tallest neon sign on Fremont Street (120 feet) - (gambling offered automatic wins on any 6 card total under 21 in Blackjack)
• Used to house largest collection of Baseball Memorabilia besides Cooperstown NY
• Used to house largest collection of Baseball Memorabilia besides Cooperstown NY
• In 2020 entire footprint is replaced with Circa Resort & Casino
• In 2020 entire footprint is replaced with Circa Resort & Casino
Air Circulation -
• 1,400 computer controlled floor vents spaced almost every 6 feet
• 1,400 computer controlled floor vents spaced almost every 6 feet
• Replaces the air from the floor to ceiling – which is 25’ up
• Replaces the air from the floor to ceiling – which is 25’ up
• Replaces all air from the floor to the ceiling every 2 min 47 sec. where all air from 0-7’ is replaced
• Replaces all air from the floor to the ceiling every 2 min 47 sec. where all air from 0-7’ is replaced
• Whole floor is within 1/2 of a degree of the exact same temperature
• Whole floor is within 1/2 of a degree of the exact same temperature
Stadium Swim -
• Water filter flushes the entire pool within every 1 hour (most pools are every 5-6 hours)
• Water filter flushes the entire pool within every 1 hour (most pools are every 5-6 hours)
• Stadium Swim Pool has real-time chlorine adjustments
• Stadium Swim Pool has real-time chlorine adjustments
• Pumps CO2 into the water – and helps make it more blue and sparkly
• Pumps CO2 into the water – and helps make it more blue and sparkly
Mega Bar -
Mega Bar -
• 165' long
• 165' long
• 50+ seats
• 50+ seats
• 46 double-stacked TV's
• 46 double-stacked TV's
• 100+ beers on tap
• 100+ beers on tap
• Nevada's longest indoor bar
• Nevada's longest indoor bar
El Cortez
El Cortez
• Built for $245,000 in 1941 (about $5.2 million in today's money)
• Built for $245,000 in 1941 (about $5.2 million in today's money)
Flamingo
Flamingo
• Built with borrowed mob funds at a cost of just over $6 million in late 1940's, early 1950's (about $81 million in today's dollars)
• Built with borrowed mob funds at a cost of just over $6 million in late 1940's, early 1950's (about $81 million in today's dollars)
• 1953 installed 80' Champagne Tower in front of the hotel - the tallest free standing sign on the strip through the 1950's
• 1953 installed 80' Champagne Tower in front of the hotel - the tallest free standing sign on the strip through the 1950's
• Bought by Kirk Kerkorian (of MGM fame), and Baron Hilton, along with the International (now Westgate) - in late 1960's, and in 1971 renamed the Flamingo Hilton
• Bought by Kirk Kerkorian (of MGM fame), and Baron Hilton, along with the International (now Westgate) - in late 1960's, and in 1971 renamed the Flamingo Hilton
• 1976 widely recognizable and colorful neon installed out front
• 1976 widely recognizable and colorful neon installed out front
• 1994 constructed two $104 million dollar towers
• 1994 constructed two $104 million dollar towers
Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau
• Built on the original site of the Thunderbird Hotel (Strip's 4th hotel, opened in 1948) - Thunderbird was the first hotel to have its gaming license suspended (unreported mob financial investments)
• Built on the original site of the Thunderbird Hotel (Strip's 4th hotel, opened in 1948) - Thunderbird was the first hotel to have its gaming license suspended (unreported mob financial investments)
• Bought and renamed the Silverbird in 1977
• Bought and renamed the Silverbird in 1977
• Renamed "El Rancho", but not the original 1940's El Rancho.... in 1982
• Renamed "El Rancho", but not the original 1940's El Rancho.... in 1982
• Closed in 1992 until purchased to be built as condos and London themed Casino in 2000 (Turnberry Place)
• Closed in 1992 until purchased to be built as condos and London themed Casino in 2000 (Turnberry Place)
• Imploded in 2000
• Imploded in 2000
• Fontainebleau opens in 2023, after 15 years of construction
• Fontainebleau opens in 2023, after 15 years of construction
Fremont Street
Fremont Street
• The El Portal Theater open in 1928 - first movie screened was "Ladies of the Mob" - first building in Vegas with Air Conditioning - seating capacity of 713
• The El Portal Theater open in 1928 - first movie screened was "Ladies of the Mob" - first building in Vegas with Air Conditioning - seating capacity of 713
• About 38 people walk by any given point every minute
• About 38 people walk by any given point every minute
• 90' tall canopy
• 90' tall canopy
• 350 speakers
• 350 speakers
• 3 stages
• 3 stages
• 1,500' long (4 football fields)
• 1,500' long (4 football fields)
• 49.3 million LED lights
• 49.3 million LED lights
• 600,000 sound system
• 600,000 sound system
• 40' Tall Vegas Vic - used to say "Howdy, Partner" but voice was turned off during filming of a movie in 1966
• 40' Tall Vegas Vic - used to say "Howdy, Partner" but voice was turned off during filming of a movie in 1966
Golden Gate
Golden Gate
• Originally named Hotel Nevada
• Originally named Hotel Nevada
• First phone in Las Vegas installed in 1906
• First phone in Las Vegas installed in 1906
• Expanded and renamed Sal Sagev in 1931
• Expanded and renamed Sal Sagev in 1931
• Began operating as a casino in 1955
• Began operating as a casino in 1955
• Renamed Golden Gate in 1974
• Renamed Golden Gate in 1974
• 106 rooms - smallest hotel on Fremont Street
• 106 rooms - smallest hotel on Fremont Street
• When travels would go by train from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles in the early 1900's, Las Vegas was the halfway point, and hotel rooms at Golden Gate cost $1
• When travels would go by train from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles in the early 1900's, Las Vegas was the halfway point, and hotel rooms at Golden Gate cost $1
Golden Nugget
Golden Nugget
• Opens in 1946
• Opens in 1946
• World's Largest Golden Nugget (The Hand of Faith)
• World's Largest Golden Nugget (The Hand of Faith)
• Original Neon Sign was 48' tall, and 48' wide with a 12' Gold Nugget at the top and rays spreading out 26'
• Original Neon Sign was 48' tall, and 48' wide with a 12' Gold Nugget at the top and rays spreading out 26'
Golden Tiki
Golden Tiki
• 250+ shrunken heads
• 250+ shrunken heads
• Serves over 4,000 Mai Tai's a month
• Serves over 4,000 Mai Tai's a month
Historic Mormon Fort
Historic Mormon Fort
• Made of estimated 80,000 bricks
• Made of estimated 80,000 bricks
Howard Hughes
Howard Hughes
Invested $200 million in Las Vegas (about $2 billion in today's dollars)
Bought the Desert Inn for $13 million dollars - rather than be evicted from his stay
Bought the land for Summerlin in 1952 - but wasn't established until almost 40 more years
Bought 6 Vegas Casinos between 1966 and 1970
Castaways
Desert Inn
Frontier
The Landmark
The Sands
The Silver Slipper
Partially responsible for passage of the Corporate Gaming Act 1969 - which ultimately paved the way for Corporations to buy into Vegas, and for construction of the Mega Resorts of the 1990's
Provided seed money for Community Colleges in Vegas
Provided seed money for Medical School at University of Nevada, Reno
Las Vegas Review Journal -
Las Vegas Review Journal -
• Fremont Street holds about 12% of all the available hotel rooms in Las Vegas
• Fremont Street holds about 12% of all the available hotel rooms in Las Vegas
• MGM has 37,243 rooms on or near the Strip - which is 40.4% of the supply
• MGM has 37,243 rooms on or near the Strip - which is 40.4% of the supply
• Caesars has 20,630 rooms on or near strip - which is 22.4% of total supply
• Caesars has 20,630 rooms on or near strip - which is 22.4% of total supply
Mandalay Bay
Mandalay Bay
• Originally Hacienda Hotel
• Originally Hacienda Hotel
• At the time in 1956 was 2 miles from the nearest hotel
• At the time in 1956 was 2 miles from the nearest hotel
• Used to ferry gamblers in directly from California on flights
• Used to ferry gamblers in directly from California on flights
• When W (formerly THE hotel) opened in 2003 it had the largest standard rooms on the strip
• When W (formerly THE hotel) opened in 2003 it had the largest standard rooms on the strip
Minus 5 Ice Bar
Minus 5 Ice Bar
• Kept at 23 degrees Fahrenheit
• Kept at 23 degrees Fahrenheit
Shark Reef Aquarium
Shark Reef Aquarium
• 14 major exhibits, with water varying from 50-80 degrees, depending on the animal needs
• 14 major exhibits, with water varying from 50-80 degrees, depending on the animal needs
• The aquarium mixes its own seawater, and has used more than 11.7 million pounds of salt since opening
• The aquarium mixes its own seawater, and has used more than 11.7 million pounds of salt since opening
• The Water Quality Lab has performed over 1.5 million tests in the last 25 years
• The Water Quality Lab has performed over 1.5 million tests in the last 25 years
• Neptune's Fury Shipwreck Exhibit is the largest tropical shark exhibit west of the Mississippi - 1.3 million gallons
• Neptune's Fury Shipwreck Exhibit is the largest tropical shark exhibit west of the Mississippi - 1.3 million gallons
• 77 couples have said "I Do!" in the Dive Proposal Program since 2017
• 77 couples have said "I Do!" in the Dive Proposal Program since 2017
• 835 wedding ceremonies performed in the Aquarium
• 835 wedding ceremonies performed in the Aquarium
• 300,000+ school kids have attended education field trips, tours, & presentations
• 300,000+ school kids have attended education field trips, tours, & presentations
• Shark Reef Aquarium has been a filming location for:
• Shark Reef Aquarium has been a filming location for:
• Las Vegas (NBC 2003)
• Las Vegas (NBC 2003)
• Sharks Under Glass (Discovery 2003)
• Sharks Under Glass (Discovery 2003)
• Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe (Discovery 2010)
• Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe (Discovery 2010)
• Shark Week Josh Gates Tonight (Discovery 2021)
• Shark Week Josh Gates Tonight (Discovery 2021)
• Imagine Dragons Music Video, "Sharks" (2022)
• Imagine Dragons Music Video, "Sharks" (2022)
• Super Bowl Greatest Commercials (CBS 2024)
• Super Bowl Greatest Commercials (CBS 2024)
Wave Pool
Wave Pool
• Holds the same amount of water as all the Shark Reef Aquarium exhibits combined at 1.6 million gallons
• Holds the same amount of water as all the Shark Reef Aquarium exhibits combined at 1.6 million gallons
Misc.
Misc.
• A B-29 Bomber plane crashed into Lake Mead in 1948
• A B-29 Bomber plane crashed into Lake Mead in 1948
• Lake Mead / Hoover Dam form the nation's largest Reservoir
• Lake Mead / Hoover Dam form the nation's largest Reservoir
Monorail
Monorail
• $650 million dollar transportation system
• $650 million dollar transportation system
• 9 air-conditioned trains of 4 cars - each running on a single rail
• 9 air-conditioned trains of 4 cars - each running on a single rail
• Each train can seat 72 people and has room for 152 more to stand
• Each train can seat 72 people and has room for 152 more to stand
• Top speed of 50 miles per hour
• Top speed of 50 miles per hour
• 15 minutes to traverse the entire length of the strip
• 15 minutes to traverse the entire length of the strip
Nevada
Nevada
• Nevada became the 36th state on October 31st 1864
• Nevada became the 36th state on October 31st 1864
• Nevada Constitution was telegraphed from Carson City to Washington D.C. on Oct 26th and 27th 1864 and was the longest telegraph message ever sent up to that time
• Nevada Constitution was telegraphed from Carson City to Washington D.C. on Oct 26th and 27th 1864 and was the longest telegraph message ever sent up to that time
• The Las Vegas High School Yearbook has a Mushroom Cloud on the cover, echoing the pride in Atomic Testing just 60 miles North West of Downtown
• The Las Vegas High School Yearbook has a Mushroom Cloud on the cover, echoing the pride in Atomic Testing just 60 miles North West of Downtown
Plaza
Plaza
• Stands on the site of the original San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake railroad depot, constructed in 1905
• Stands on the site of the original San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake railroad depot, constructed in 1905
• Opened in 1971 - was the World's Largest Casino
• Originally named Union Plaza Hotel, then in 1992 renamed Jackie Gaughan's Plaza Hotel and Casino
• Originally named Union Plaza Hotel, then in 1992 renamed Jackie Gaughan's Plaza Hotel and Casino
Resorts World
Resorts World
• Originally Royal Nevada Hotel
• Originally Royal Nevada Hotel
• Opened 1 day before the Riviera (4-19-1955)
• Opened 1 day before the Riviera (4-19-1955)
• Had an indoor fountain with 28,000 gallons
• Had an indoor fountain with 28,000 gallons
• Became the Stardust Hotel in 1958
• Became the Stardust Hotel in 1958
• Had the largest neon sign in the world - 27' tall and 217' wide
• Had the largest neon sign in the world - 27' tall and 217' wide
• Replaced the original sign in 1968 - 188' tall
• Replaced the original sign in 1968 - 188' tall
• The movie Casino was based on Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal's career at Stardust
• The movie Casino was based on Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal's career at Stardust
• Wayne Newton used to perform there
• Wayne Newton used to perform there
Sahara
Sahara
• Originally opened as African themed
• Originally opened as African themed
• 1966 added fourteen story hotel tower - the tallest in Nevada at the time
• 1966 added fourteen story hotel tower - the tallest in Nevada at the time
• Hit 50th anniversary in 2002 - one of only 4 original Strip properties to do so (Frontier, Flamingo, Desert Inn)
• Hit 50th anniversary in 2002 - one of only 4 original Strip properties to do so (Frontier, Flamingo, Desert Inn)
• Renovation in 1997 to Moroccan-Theme
• Renovation in 1997 to Moroccan-Theme
• Formerly housed the Speed Roller Coaster
• Formerly housed the Speed Roller Coaster
• 1,149' tall
• 1,149' tall
• Tallest building West of the Mississippi River
• Tallest building West of the Mississippi River
• Tallest freestanding observation tower in the US
• Tallest freestanding observation tower in the US
Timeline (Las Vegas)
Timeline (Las Vegas)
Time Immemorial - natural springs flowed underground
Early 19th Century - Spanish explorers and traders name the site "The Meadows" after the lush grass in the area
1855 - Mormon colonists setup a mission near the springs
1858 - Mormons abandoned the site due to unsuccessful mining operations and living conditions - (The site known as The Historic Mormon Fort, is added to National Register of Historic Places in 1972)
1865 - Mormon Fort land incorporated into Octavius Decatur Gass' ranch
1882 - Gass' Ranch sold to Archibald Stewart, who was gunned down for a bad mortgage debt - his wife Helen Stewart runs the ranch until 1902
1905 - Gass' Ranch sold to the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad
1905 - The land is auctioned off by Montana senator William Clark - creating Clark's Las Vegas Townsite - which marks the birth of Las Vegas on May 15th, 1905
1906 - First phone installed in Las Vegas at the Hotel Nevada now Golden Gate
Shortly after all Liquor sales were only allowed from First Street (from Ogden to Stewart) - called "Block 16", became the town's "Red Light" District
1912 - The Thomas Department Store burned down near First Street and Fremont Street (at the site of the Pioneer Club aka: Vegas Vic)
1920's - 1930's - The city evolves with paved streets, shade trees, permanent buildings like schools and courthouses
1930's - Construction of the Boulder (Hoover) Dam
1931 - Legalization of gambling in Las Vegas
1940's - Resort style Casinos + liberal marriage and divorce laws
1941 - First Casino (Pair-O-Dice Club) + First Casino and Luxury Resort opens on Highway 91 - The El Rancho Vegas
Shortly after Fremont Street influx of Neon Signs and nickname "Glitter Gultch"
Shortly after Army Air Corps Gunnery School Commander threatened to make Vegas off-limits to his men if they didn't do something about the town's "Red Light" District - the next day the site was raided and shut down (today Binion's parking garage stands at the site)
1950's - Desert Inn, Sahara, Sands, Riviera, Dunes open + Showgirl shows (Lido, Folies Begere, etc.) + Atomic Testing at the Nevada Test Site
1950's - Las Vegas population hits 41,000 residents
1960's - More Casino Resorts (Caesars Palace, Circus Circus, the Aladdin now Planet Hollywood, 4 Queens, International now Westgate, etc.)
1960's - Las Vegas population hits 120,000 residents, Las Vegas Springs dry up
1970's - High-Rise Resorts - Barbary Coast now the Cromwell, the first MGM Grand now Horseshoe, etc.
1970's - Dr. Claude Warren of UNLV archaeological survey to re-route I-95 around the Las Vegas Springs, Springs added to National Register of Historic Places
1980's - 1990's - Family Friendly Vegas + Mega Resorts (Disney-ification)
1990's - 2000's - High profile destruction / implosions, plus building of new Casinos, Las Vegas Springs Preserve established, Fremont Street revitalization and canopy
2000's - 2010's - Wynn, Palazzo, City Center, etc.
Venetian
Venetian
• Originally opened as the Sands in 1952
• Originally opened as the Sands in 1952
• Bermuda-Modern style
• Bermuda-Modern style
• The Copa Room - featuring showgirls and the Rat Pack
• The Copa Room - featuring showgirls and the Rat Pack
• Prototype for Vegas high-rises
• Prototype for Vegas high-rises
• Imploded in 1996
• Imploded in 1996
• Film footage of plane crashing into the soon-to-be-destroyed casino used in the movie Con Air
• Film footage of plane crashing into the soon-to-be-destroyed casino used in the movie Con Air
• Built at a cost of $1.5 billion in 1999 (about $3 billion in today's dollars)
• Built at a cost of $1.5 billion in 1999 (about $3 billion in today's dollars)
• Replica of Saint Mark's Square and reproduction of Venice's Grand Canal
• Replica of Saint Mark's Square and reproduction of Venice's Grand Canal
• 4,000 suites
• 4,000 suites
• Underground connection to 1.2 million square foot Convention Center
• Underground connection to 1.2 million square foot Convention Center
• Sands had around 3,000 sq foot casino floor - 120,000 sf foot as the Venetian
• Sands had around 3,000 sq foot casino floor - 120,000 sf foot as the Venetian
Wynn
Wynn
• Originally open as the Desert Inn in 1950
• Originally open as the Desert Inn in 1950
• Purchased by Steve Wynn for his wife in 2000
• Purchased by Steve Wynn for his wife in 2000
• Original plans to construct a resort called "Le Reve", French for "The Dream"
• Original plans to construct a resort called "Le Reve", French for "The Dream"
• La Reve named after Picasso painting Wynn owned
• La Reve named after Picasso painting Wynn owned
• Opened as the Wynn in 2005
• Opened as the Wynn in 2005
• Built for $2.7 billion in 2005 (about $4.5 billion in today's dollars)
• Built for $2.7 billion in 2005 (about $4.5 billion in today's dollars)
• 2.716 rooms
• 2.716 rooms
• 110,000 square foot casino
• 110,000 square foot casino
• 18 hole golf course
• 18 hole golf course
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