Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Who Put the Fabulous in Las Vegas?
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Who Put the Fabulous in Las Vegas?
Ever wondered how a tiny railroad stopover in the Nevada desert became the glittering entertainment capital we know today? This week we're diving deep into the wild history of Las Vegas as it celebrates its 120th birthday!
From humble beginnings serving railroad workers to becoming the ultimate destination for gambling, shows, and quick weddings, Vegas has quite the story to tell. We're exploring how the mob helped build the Strip, why the 1930s legalization of gambling changed everything, and how Mormon settlers played a surprising role in the city's early days.
Joining us is Michael Green, a professor of history at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and author of Nevada: A History of the Silver State. He's got some fascinating insights about how this desert oasis transformed from a simple stopover into Sin City itself.
We'll cover the cultural influences that shaped Vegas, the tourism boom that made it famous, and even touch on the modern challenges facing the city as it continues to grow. Plus, we'll visit some iconic spots like the Neon Museum and talk about legendary venues like the Flamingo.
Whether you're a Vegas regular or just curious about American history, this episode has something for everyone. So grab your chips and let's explore how Las Vegas became the most fabulous city in the world!
...
Highlights from this episode:
- Las Vegas started as a humble stopover for railroad workers and evolved into a vibrant entertainment hub.
- The history of Las Vegas is rich with cultural influences, including its early Mormon settlers and the impact of the railroad.
- The legalization of gambling and marriage in the early 1930s sparked a tourism boom that shaped modern Las Vegas.
- Las Vegas has transitioned from a gambling-centric city to a diverse destination for food, entertainment, and sports.
- The mob played a crucial role in developing the Strip, leading to today's lavish hotel-casinos we see now.
- As Vegas continues to grow, its infrastructure and water supply face challenges that could impact future development.
...
Additional Resources:
Nevada: A History of the Silver State by Michael Green
Las Vegas: A Centennial History by Eugene P. Moehring and Michael Green
...
Mentioned in this episode:
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Neon Museum
- Mob Museum
- Atomic Testing Museum
- Golden Gate
- Hotel Nevada
- Flamingo
- MGM Resorts
- Steve Wynn
- Caesars Palace
- Sheldon Adelson
- Circus Circus
- Excalibur
- Luxor
- Mandalay Bay
...
And if you like this episode, you might also love:
When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States
Is America an Empire?
...
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Individual Supporters: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support
University Partners: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/partnerships
Brand Sponsors: [email protected]
Contact us: [email protected]
We're partnering with NeoTaste, the exclusive membership card unlocking huge discounts at hundreds of restaurants across the UK & Europe. Get your first 2 months free by using the code AAH at checkout. Sign up here: https://neotaste.com/gb?code=AAH&a=2
Are you a University or college? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.
Mentioned in this episode:
This episode is sponsored by What's Your Map
What's Your Map is the British Podcast Award-winning show from map expert Professor Jerry Brotton. In each episode, he invites a special guest to share a map that means something to them. It's a fascinating show, and you can listen to the new season right now: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/whats-your-map/id1766500219
View all episodes
By Liam HeffernanEver wondered how a tiny railroad stopover in the Nevada desert became the glittering entertainment capital we know today? This week we're diving deep into the wild history of Las Vegas as it celebrates its 120th birthday!
From humble beginnings serving railroad workers to becoming the ultimate destination for gambling, shows, and quick weddings, Vegas has quite the story to tell. We're exploring how the mob helped build the Strip, why the 1930s legalization of gambling changed everything, and how Mormon settlers played a surprising role in the city's early days.
Joining us is Michael Green, a professor of history at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and author of Nevada: A History of the Silver State. He's got some fascinating insights about how this desert oasis transformed from a simple stopover into Sin City itself.
We'll cover the cultural influences that shaped Vegas, the tourism boom that made it famous, and even touch on the modern challenges facing the city as it continues to grow. Plus, we'll visit some iconic spots like the Neon Museum and talk about legendary venues like the Flamingo.
Whether you're a Vegas regular or just curious about American history, this episode has something for everyone. So grab your chips and let's explore how Las Vegas became the most fabulous city in the world!
...
Highlights from this episode:
- Las Vegas started as a humble stopover for railroad workers and evolved into a vibrant entertainment hub.
- The history of Las Vegas is rich with cultural influences, including its early Mormon settlers and the impact of the railroad.
- The legalization of gambling and marriage in the early 1930s sparked a tourism boom that shaped modern Las Vegas.
- Las Vegas has transitioned from a gambling-centric city to a diverse destination for food, entertainment, and sports.
- The mob played a crucial role in developing the Strip, leading to today's lavish hotel-casinos we see now.
- As Vegas continues to grow, its infrastructure and water supply face challenges that could impact future development.
...
Additional Resources:
Nevada: A History of the Silver State by Michael Green
Las Vegas: A Centennial History by Eugene P. Moehring and Michael Green
...
Mentioned in this episode:
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Neon Museum
- Mob Museum
- Atomic Testing Museum
- Golden Gate
- Hotel Nevada
- Flamingo
- MGM Resorts
- Steve Wynn
- Caesars Palace
- Sheldon Adelson
- Circus Circus
- Excalibur
- Luxor
- Mandalay Bay
...
And if you like this episode, you might also love:
When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States
Is America an Empire?
...
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Individual Supporters: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support
University Partners: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/partnerships
Brand Sponsors: [email protected]
Contact us: [email protected]
We're partnering with NeoTaste, the exclusive membership card unlocking huge discounts at hundreds of restaurants across the UK & Europe. Get your first 2 months free by using the code AAH at checkout. Sign up here: https://neotaste.com/gb?code=AAH&a=2
Are you a University or college? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.
Mentioned in this episode:
This episode is sponsored by What's Your Map
What's Your Map is the British Podcast Award-winning show from map expert Professor Jerry Brotton. In each episode, he invites a special guest to share a map that means something to them. It's a fascinating show, and you can listen to the new season right now: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/whats-your-map/id1766500219