Las Vegas, As It Began, As It Grew

In the 19th century, Las Vegas was first a Spanish Trail waterhole, then a religious mission, and also a ranch. Las Vegas emerged in 1905 as a railroad town, then developed into a gateway to the Hoover Dam, constructed during 1931-1935. Then Las Vegas became a gaming center. The reader is led every step along these transitions in both the text and a careful selection of photographs.