Las Vegas History

How did an old-west outpost on Nevada's last frontier become both the largest city founded in the 20th century and the number one destination spot in the world? Take a journey through Sin City's history to see the people, politics, entertainment, and events that helped Las Vegas explode into the global phenomenon it is today.

Howard Hughes' Alter Ego: Thu, May 15, 2008 (10:44 a.m.); Bob Maheu describes how he transformed from Howard Hughes' right hand business man, into the billionaire's alter ego.

Hughes Buys Desert Inn: Thu, May 15, 2008 (10:43 a.m.); Having overstayed his welcome, Howard Hughes was almost physically kicked out of the Desert Inn when Bob Maheu jokingly suggested to his boss that he buy the hotel in which he had taken up residence over the past four months. Hughes agreed and so began the billionaire recluse's foray into Las Vegas real estate.

Hughes Arrives In Vegas: Thu, May 15, 2008 (10:43 a.m.); When Howard Hughes arrived in Las Vegas in November 1967, many of the hotels were preparing their suites for the high rollers that would come stay for New Year's Eve. Bob Maheu recalls that he was finally able to get Hughes into one of the Desert Inn suites, but the aviator was not considered an important high rolling client and after about 10 days, the hotel was requesting that Hughes vacate the suite.

New Vegas: Thu, May 15, 2008 (10:42 a.m.); Las Vegas' shift from a tumbleweed boomtown into the jewel of the desert has given way to its transformation into the party in the desert. With countless night clubs that host world class deejays, "New Vegas" is not as much a place for sight seeing as it is a place to be seen.

Elvis Tribute Artists: Thu, May 15, 2008 (10:42 a.m.); "The King" of Rock and Roll has been gone for more than 30 years, but on any given night in Las Vegas the spirit of Elvis Presley lives on. For Elvis tribute artists like Trent Carlini, Jesse Garon, Darren Lee and Pete "Big Elvis" Vallee, the message they try to relate on stage is one of fun energy and high intensity, a routine that Elvis himself would be proud of. "It's almost like you're on autopilot," Garon said, of drifting into the Presley persona. "You're no longer the other guy, you're the 'King.' It's almost like being in your zen, your spot."

Liberace: Thu, May 15, 2008 (10:41 a.m.); As the highest paid entertainer in 1955 making $55,000 a week at the Riviera, Liberace paved the way for a generation of marquee entertainers who would draw thousands of people to the Strip with just a mere flashing of their names in lights.

Jimmy Jazz: Thu, May 15, 2008 (10:40 a.m.); Longtime Las Vegas jazz musician Jimmy Mulidore reflects on the city's rhythm and blues hey days, but also how corporate casinos, an ever-increasing amount of entertainment options, and lack of local support has stripped the Strip of one its greatest genres.

Boomtown: Part Eleven: Thu, May 15, 2008 (10:39 a.m.); Description

Boomtown: Part Ten: Thu, May 15, 2008 (10:38 a.m.); Description

Boomtown: Part Nine: Thu, May 15, 2008 (10:37 a.m.); Description

Las Vegas Sun

Las Vegas History