Las Vegas, often known for its bright lights, lavish casinos, and 24/7 entertainment, has a rich history that is less well-known. The city, which now stands as the entertainment capital of the world, was once just a small desert outpost. As you dig deeper into its origins, there are surprising moments that helped shape Las Vegas into what it is today. From its humble beginnings to the rise of iconic landmarks, here are 10 surprising facts that reveal the untold history of Las Vegas.

1. The Birth Of Las Vegas: A Railroad Stop Becomes A City

Las Vegas’ origins date back to 1905, when it became a key stop along the railroad route. Initially, it was a small, out-of-the-way location used by travelers and merchants. The arrival of the railroad in the desert was a key factor in attracting people and businesses to the area. It wasn’t until the 1930s that the city started to see significant growth, thanks to the development of the Hoover Dam. While the city is now known for its glitz and glamour, its early days were shaped by its strategic location as a transportation hub.

2. Atomic Testing: How The “Nuclear Age” Shaped Las Vegas’ Image

A surprisingly lesser-known aspect of Las Vegas’ history is its link to atomic testing. During the Cold War, the U.S. government carried out several nuclear tests in the Nevada desert. Las Vegas, just a short distance away, used these tests to boost its image. Hotels and casinos held “atomic parties” and advertised the mushroom clouds as a new form of entertainment. For tourists, the bright, radioactive displays became a bizarre attraction, helping the city market itself as a place of excitement and danger.

3. Prohibition: Forgotten Role In Shaping Vegas’ Early Years

While Prohibition in the 1920s banned alcohol across the United States, Las Vegas was a hotspot for illegal activities. Speakeasies, secret bars, and underground gambling operations flourished during this time. It wasn’t long before Nevada legalized gambling in 1931, but the Prohibition era left a lasting mark on the city’s rebellious and law-defying identity. The mix of illegal alcohol and secretive gambling paved the way for the free-wheeling atmosphere that Vegas would become known for.

4. The Mob And The Making Of Iconic Casinos

Organized crime played a significant role in shaping Las Vegas in its early days. Mobsters, like Bugsy Siegel, helped build the first luxury casino—the Flamingo. Their influence brought money, power, and iconic casinos to the Strip, including the Stardust and the Sahara. Although the mob’s influence faded over the years, their impact on the development of Vegas’s hotel and casino culture can still be felt today. Their early involvement helped transform Vegas into the thriving entertainment center it became.

5. Neon Signs: A Bold Innovation That Defined The City

Neon signs are now an integral part of the Las Vegas skyline, but their rise to prominence marked a bold innovation for the city. When casinos started using neon lights, it wasn’t just about attracting attention—it was about creating a unique identity. The glowing lights were a form of artistic expression, and the iconic “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign is just one example of how neon defined the city’s visual character. These lights are not just advertisements—they’ve become symbols of the city’s culture.

6. The First Full Casino: The Little-Known Start Of Vegas’ Big Casino Era

Before the Flamingo’s rise to fame, Las Vegas was home to smaller, lesser-known casinos. These early establishments were the real pioneers of the city’s casino culture. The Golden Gate Hotel and Casino, established in 1906, is often considered the first full casino in the city, marking the beginning of Vegas’s rise to prominence. It would take decades before larger, more famous properties began popping up, but these first ventures laid the groundwork for what was to come.

7. The Rise Of The Strip: How The Birth Of Entertainment Hubs Changed Vegas Forever

The Las Vegas Strip, as we know it today, didn’t always look like a neon wonderland. Originally, the area was a vast desert. It wasn’t until the 1940s that Las Vegas started developing the iconic Strip. The transformation was led by bold entrepreneurs who created grand casinos and hotels that drew in visitors from all over the world. The Strip became a beacon of entertainment, with shows, casinos, and larger-than-life hotels. Today, the Strip continues to be the vibrant center of the city’s entertainment scene.

8. Las Vegas And The Glitz Of “Super Secret” VIP Clubs

In its early days, Las Vegas was also known for its exclusive and secretive VIP clubs. These elite spots were where the rich and famous gathered to enjoy luxurious treatments, private performances, and hidden gambling rooms. Some of these places were so exclusive that they could only be accessed by personal invitation. These clubs helped elevate Vegas’s reputation as a city where anything could happen, no matter how secretive or extravagant.

9. Las Vegas And The Great Depression: Unexpected Resilience

The Great Depression hit the entire country hard, but Las Vegas managed to grow during this challenging time. The construction of the Hoover Dam and the legalization of gambling in 1931 allowed Las Vegas to draw in more visitors. These developments, along with affordable entertainment, enabled the city to prosper even during the Great Depression. Las Vegas’s ability to thrive in tough economic times laid the foundation for its future as an entertainment and excitement hub.

10. The Legacy Of Frank Sinatra’s “Mob Ties”

Frank Sinatra’s connection to Las Vegas is well-known, but one aspect of his story remains less discussed. Sinatra wasn’t just a performer—he was deeply connected to the mob, and his ties to organized crime helped shape the entertainment scene. As a regular performer in the city’s casinos, Sinatra helped establish Vegas as the destination for top-tier entertainment. His relationships with influential figures also played a role in the development of the city’s glitzy nightlife and high-profile shows.