Few people can answer the question of which famous American city is located in Clark County, Nevada. But if you formulate the question differently and ask to name a casino city, then nine out of ten will give the correct answer. At the same time, the history of Las Vegas began a little less than 200 years ago, and in addition to casinos, entertainment centers and fashionable hotels in the city, you can find many witnesses of those distant times.
In the fight for life
The history of Las Vegas began in 1829, one might say, quite by accident - it is associated with the route "Texas - Los Angeles". A caravan of merchants was heading along the famous Spanish trail, and went astray. Under the hot sun, people camped and then divided into groups. There was only one goal - to find water, at least some sources of drinking water.
Rafael Rivera, a Mexican, was lucky enough to find an oasis and artesian water that saved people. This corner of nature was named "Las Vegas", which means "fertile valleys" in translation from Spanish. Fifteen years later, the development of these territories began, history even retained the name of a person who made a lot of efforts for this - John Fremont. In 1844, he was the leader of an expedition trying to find new places to live, annexing lands and territories to the United States of America.
Foundation of the city
Las Vegas is believed to have appeared on maps in May 1905. For decades, it had the role of only a transit railway junction. It was here that the trains were parked, refueling was in progress for further shipment to the west or east. The city has preserved old carriages, of course, now they house stylized cafes and a museum.
The development of the city was facilitated by the state's policy of providing great opportunities and unlimited freedoms, which attracted people from all over the world. Las Vegas allowed lightning weddings, which were considered immoral throughout America, and fierce battles with large rewards for victory took place here.
The next stage of city expansion and population growth is associated with the development of the gambling business. In 1919, there was an attempt to ban the games and return the city to a decent channel, but its economy nearly collapsed. In 1931, the fate of Las Vegas took a sharp turn, the legislation became more liberal towards this business. The taxes received by the city from casinos, restaurants, hotels, allowed the authorities to solve many social and social problems.
