By Juhllv
Did you know Las Vegas is one of the oldest cities in Nevada? The metropolis that we know and love today dates back hundreds of years, and this rich past is one of the reasons why Las Vegas has such a strong culture today. Let’s look at a brief history of Las Vegas and how our past has helped shape our present and future city.
A Brief History of Las Vegas
There were Native American civilizations in the Las Vegas area for nearly as long as records date back, with the Paiute tribe being the primary residents. The first European settler was Rafael Rivera, who visited what is now Las Vegas on his trek from New Mexico to California. In 1821, he named the area Las Vegas, meaning “the meadows.”
Not a lot changed in the area until 1905 when railroads were built to connect the city with other surrounding areas like Los Angeles and Salt Lake City. With this new transportation, the city saw increased growth and it quickly grew as a mecca for entertainment. In 1931, when construction of the Hoover Dam began, even more people flocked to the convenient location and Fremont Street, and today’s Downtown Las Vegas was born.
Las Vegas Culture Today
Where we come from often shapes who we are today, and the city of Las Vegas is no exception. Our rich cultural history has been the springboard for countless arts and cultural endeavors, entertainment opportunities, businesses, and sports.
Sports
The past few years have been accelerating for the Las Vegas sports scene – and it’s no surprise, with our ideal climate and growing economy! From hockey games to rodeos, these are just a few of the notable sporting events in Las Vegas: