The “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign is an iconic symbol. The sign represents a different symbol for everyone. For some the sign represents a symbol for Sin City, for others it represents a symbol for a lot of good times, and for others it represents a symbol for a lot of bad times. However, no two people that visit this city of sin will leave with the same experience. Some will want to share their stories, with close friends and others will rather apply the famous Las Vegas slogan, “What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas.”
Abraham Lincoln, granted statehood to Nevada, in order to win election by gaining more electoral votes, although Nevada did not meet state population requirements at the time. Military personal of the federal government became first casino clientele.
Las Vegas, Nevada history started around the 1930 when President Herbert Hoover signed the bill to build the Hoover Damn. During the time period from 1930-1941 the Las Vegas population grew rapidly from the arrival of laborers consisting of mostly male workers moving to Las Vegas to work on the damn. When the damn workers had time to relax and spend their pay earned from a hard day at work, they sought some form of entertainment. The entertainment some of the workers enjoyed included, gambling, drinking, and show girls.
When the Hoover Damn completed in 1935, Las Vegas was first to receive the hydroelectricity. The electricity was used to light the city and strip with very bright colorful lights and signs to attract customers and tourist from all over. This is where the iconic brightly colored and lit sign, “Welcome to the Beautiful Las Vegas, Nevada” became a classic piece of Sin City’s history.
The relative close proximity to Hollywood, California gave Las Vegas a glamour appeal. The lure of fame and fortune attracted many famous movie stars, athletes, and singers from past and still attract many current celebrities. Some of the well-known celebrities included Elvis Presley, The Rat Pac, and Muhammad Ali. However, with the ending of the World War II era and a new generation of baby-boomers, Las Vegas experienced a change in demand that started around the 1970’s. With an increase swell of tourist to around 37 million a year Las Vegas changed from small mafia ran casinos to large corporate and hedge fund owned mega resorts and casinos publicly traded on New York Stock Exchange during the 80’s and 90’s. In the 20th century. Many of the baby boomers miss the old Vegas lifestyle , but will always will keep memory alive with live reenactments, preserving historical land marks, and in the stories past down to each generation. Also being corporate owned affects the management style and action limits in order to protect shareholders interest. Some feel this has stacked the odds against casino players. Some casinos now will limit the bet size if you’re wining a lot in order to protect profits.
On The Las Vegas Strip
Length 4.2 mi[1] (6.8 km) South end Russell Road
North end Sahara Avenue
Down Town Freemont Street
The Las Vegas Strip
The strip is an approximately 4.2-mile (6.8 km) stretch located on South Las Vegas Boulevard between Russel road and West Desert Inn Road. The strip was moved from the old Vegas of Downtown Freemont Street. The new strip is lined with corporation owned mega resorts, casinos, world’s top night clubs, and shopping centers. It is considered a scenic view to drive down the strip due to neon lights, fountains, and architecture. However, during busy holidays the strip is sometimes closed to vehicle traffic. This will be the main hunting area for the Sin City Warrior. It has a lot of areas to socialize, to party, and grab a bite to eat. Recommended is to stay in the middle of the strip around The Bellagio. In 1959 the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign was the sign is today about 0.4 miles (0.64 km) south of the southernmost entrance to Mandalay Bay (the southernmost casino)
Right Off the Las Vegas Strip: The Strip District
These are the casinos that are lining the street right off the strip or not to far from the strip. Do not overlook these areas some very famous hotels are located just off the strip. For example, The Hard Rock Casino, Palms, and Rio are located just behind the strips and within walking distance of strip. These casino often offer more affordable rooms and accommodations. It’s also recommended to stay just off the strip for longer stays of a week or more. This is also were local stay and Air BNB rentals are plentiful. For groups try to rent a mansion. Also, this cuts down on the temptation to gambling.
Downtown Las Vegas
To get the experience of the old Vegas, head to Freemont Street. Downtown Las Vegas is located along Freemont Street. Freemont street is where the old strip was located back when the mafia controlled the casinos. Freemont Street is still a great place to visit. There are live street performers, restaurants, and shows. A must see is the Freemont Viva Vision Light Show. The Light show starts at 8pm and runs every hour until midnight. The show is 7 days a week. The screen is 90 feet above the ground, on a circle canopy that covers four entire blocks of Fremont Street from 4th Street to Main Street, at the Plaza Hotel and Casino.
