Thursday Thirteen #6

Thirteen Things about Las Vegas 13 Things About Vegas, Baby. 1. In 1829, Rafael Rivera discovers a valley of wild grasses and abundant water. The Spanish had named the valley “Las Vegas”, which means “the meadows”. Prior to that, the Anasazi and Pauite people explored the area. 2. John C. Fremont parks himself in Las Vegas in 1844 and starts a 19th century blog, which is very popular and yanks more folks into the area. They are particularly fond of the springs. 3. Other stuff happens between 1845 and 1863, like the Mormons staking a claim and building a fort, parts of which can still be seen at Las Vegas Blvd and Washington Ave. Then, in 1864 even though Lincoln is busy with a little skirmish called the Civil War, Nevada becomes the 36th state. 4. In 1885, land is going for $1.25 per acre in and around Vegas, which wouldn’t get you a square millimeter in 2007. Mining and farming are the main money makers. Gambling and prostitution are probably going on, but organizing them hasn’t crossed anyone’s mind yet. 5. In the early 1900’s, with the completion of the railway, Las Vegas becomes a popular railroad stop. On May 15, 1905, under a sunny sky and temps probably into the high 90’s (yeah, but it's DRY heat), Vegas specifically becomes a “city” of 110 acres. Six years later, the population is 800. 6. Also in 1911, Nevada has the foresight to realize that California will soon be filled with actors and actresses and liberalizes divorce laws, creating the “quickie divorce” after 6 weeks of residency. Hundreds flock in and stay at short term residences which are the forerunners of the strip hotels. 7. Apparently, a lot of divorcees stick around, remarry and have more kids because in 1930, the population of Vegas reaches 5,165. 8. Hoover Dam construction begins in 1931 and with it, hundreds of construction workers flood in. Trying to follow up their ground breaking “quickie divorce” law, the state legislature comes up with a biggie: legalized gambling. Within 8 years, the population grows to 8,422. 9. The Official History of Las Vegas does not acknowledge the contribution of Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel, who was originally sent out west by the mafia to establish a “land wire” for gambling. He realized the value of “quickie divorces” and “legalized gambling” and got the mob to finance a hotel. Bugsy, while a dapper guy, was no business man, and the 1 million dollar budget for the hotel ballooned to 6 million. The whole venture of building the Flamingo seemed more trouble than it was worth to the NY mob heads, especially when it floundered after opening on 12/26/1946. Bugsy was floundered soon afterwards, after being shot through the head while reading a newspaper in the livingroom in June, 1947. The Flamingo had been reopened and was making a profit 3 months before his untimely demise. 10. More fun stuff happens and the phrase: “What Happens in Vegas, Maybe Will, Maybe Won’t Stay in Vegas” occurs to some when the first atomic bomb is detonated north of the city. Playing with bad nuclear things goes on from 1951-1962. 11. Funny, but there is no mention in the Official History of Las Vegas when those frisky law makers came up with legalized prostitution. 12. In 1960, the population of Las Vegas grows to 64,405 and those original 110 acres become 25 square miles. Howard Hughes gets involved and starts a building boom of hotels and casinos which continues through the millenium. The '60's are also famous for the introduction of the Rat Pack, and Frank Sinatra insisting that Sammy Davis, Jr. be treated with the same respect by hotel management as he and Dean-o were. 13. And where else to end but here: In 1969, Elvis Presley opens at the International Hotel --- now known as the Las Vegas Hilton and home to a 20 story high mural of Barry Manilow.

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Thursday Thirteen #6

http://larachronicles.blogspot.com/2007/08/thursday-thirteen-6.html