Or at least as much of it as we can fit into this blog space.

Prehistoric Las Vegas was a virtual marsh of abundant water and vegetation errr… Ok this may be a little too far back. Let’s start about 150 years ago.

• 1844 - John C Fremont visited the Las Vegas and kept a journal of 2 springs he encountered there. The writings became very popular and inspired people from around the world to visit Las Vegas.
• 1855 – The Mormon Church chose Las Vegas as a site to build. This fort was to be situated halfway between Salt Lake City and Los Angeles, a common trade route. The remainder of the Mormon Fort can still be seen at the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Washington Avenue.
• 1864 - Nevada is admitted into the Union as the 36^th state
• 1885 –The State Land Act offers land at $1.25 per acre, causing an influx of farmers and launching the agriculture industry.
• 1905 – Las Vegas is founded as a city on May 15, 1905
• 1911 – The City of Las Vegas is incorporated on March 16, 1911. Population = 800.
• 1911- Divorce laws are liberalized in Nevada. A divorce can be obtained after a 6 week residency.  These short-term residents stay at "dude ranches" which are the forerunners of the sprawling Strip hotels.
• 1926 – Western Airlines has the first commercial flight to Las Vegas.
• 1930 – Population = 5165
• 1931 – The Hoover Dam construction begins in Black Canyon. The construction starts a population boom.
• 1931 – March 1931 gambling is legalized by state legislature.
• 1935 – Hoover Dam is completed. At 726 feet high and more than 1,200 feet long when built, it was the tallest dam in the world.
• 1940 – Population = 8422
• 1941 – April 3^rd El Rancho Vegas opens on the Strip with 63 rooms. El Cortez Hotel opens in downtown Las Vegas. El Rancho destroyed by fire 19 years later.
• 1942 – October 30^th The Last Frontier Hotel opens with 105 rooms.
• WW2- Military moves into the valley. The isolated location, along with plentiful water and inexpensive energy, makes Las Vegas an ideal site for military and defense related industries.
• 1944 - The first Helldorado parade and rodeo.
• 1946 – December 26^th Bugsy Siegel opens the Flamingo Hotel with 105 rooms. Nevada levies the first gaming taxies.
• 1948 – September 2^nd  The thunderbird opens with 76 rooms.
• 1950 – April 24^th Desert Inn with 300 rooms.
• 1950 – September first major casino Silver Slipper/ Golden Slipper.

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