Las Vegas Nevada
Local Culture Entertainment and the Las Vegas Strip
History Las Vegas was founded in 1905, when 110 acres – 45 ha – of land adjacent to the Union Pacific Railroad tracks were auctioned in what would become the downtown area. 1931 was a pivotal year as Nevada legalized casino gambling and reduced divorce requirements. At this time, the city also benefited from an influx of construction workers at nearby Hoover Dam. Crime figures such as Bugsy Siegel became involved in the growing gaming center leading to the opening of resorts such as the Flamingo, which opened in 1946, and the Desert Inn in 1960.