The city of Las Vegas is known for its casinos, but there is also something to be said for its communities of Saints. In the mid-1800s this city was a hub for Latter-day Saints and others travelling from California to Utah. Today, a temple stands in Las Vegas with a second one on its way. In this episode, Professor Fred Woods takes us through the history of this vibrant religious community, and how Latter-day Saints have lived, worshiped, and influenced the culture of Las Vegas for good.

Publications:

Bright Lights in the Desert: The Latter-day Saints of Las Vegas (University of Nevada Press, 2023). 

Bright Lights in The Desert: The Latter-day Saints of Las Vegas (BYU TV documentary video)

“Bright lights in the desert: How Latter-day Saints have shaped Las Vegas culture, community, and politics” (LDS Living, 2023)

Click here to learn more about professor Fred Woods