Despite its reputation for excess and surrealism, as a natural oasis in the desert Las Vegas was born from necessity. Established in 1829 by merchants as a trade route stop between Mexico and California – the Old Spanish Trail. It quickly became popular for its gambling, resulting in the creation of a central strip of entertainment venues. Stars flocked in their droves, including Elvis Presley, Brigitte Bardot and Gene Kelly to name a few.
First glimmer: The main strip in Las Vegas during the golden era hints at its potential for growth. The open expanse reveals the desert backdrop in all its glory and the Dunes Hotel is the only focal point in the foreground
Las Vegas. The desert metropolis which thrives on 24-hour gambling, showgirls and casinos without a clock in sight to remind revellers of the world outside.
Synonymous with hedonism, this adult playground has grown to attract millions of visitors annually, each bringing with them trillions of dollars to its Nevada location.
Despite its reputation for excess and surrealism, as a natural oasis in the Mojave desert, America’s City of Lights was actually established in 1829 for practical reasons. Mexican explorer and merchant, Antonio Armijo, first sought to open up the area as a trade route between Mexico and California, called the Old Spanish Trail.
When the San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad were created in 1905, the small settlement quickly became known as ‘Sin City.’ With pink limousines, tacky souvenirs and the gigantic Vegas strip, the larger-than-life city became a beacon in the desert over the years – but it didn’t always look that way.
Unearthed: This 1906 picture of the city shows its early days and the original settlement before it became a thriving metropolis
Nostalgia: With the odd car driving down Fremont Street in Las Vegas, this image is far cry from the packed main strip tourists witness today
[…]
