Old Vegas

Old Vegas

This page is dedicated to those who loved "old school Vegas" or, in my case, love reading about it. On this page, we'll dive head first into the way things "used to be." From the days of the spaced out casinos on Highway 91 to the mob influences and Teamsters Union to the Rat Pack, Howard Hughes, Kirk Kerkorian, and Stephen Alan Wynn, this page will touch on anything and everything that was hip in its time. So come on in, grab yourself a Sinatra Smash, and let's talk some Glitter Gulch. 

Photo of the Month

Old Vegas

Vegas Through the Years

Old Vegas Posts

  • Old School Vegas Dining – Hugo’s Cellar
  • Ocean’s 11 (1960)
  • 175 Las Vegas Fun Facts

    175 Las Vegas Fun Facts

    When the Sundance opened in 1980, it was the tallest building downtown. Sundance became Fitzgeralds in 1987. The Flamingo was the 3rd casino/hotel to open on the Strip, behind the El Rancho (’41) and the Last Frontier (’42). Jay Sarno, who built Caesars Palace, left the apostrophe out of “Caesars” because he wanted everyone to feel(…)

  • Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas

    Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas

    It is the most iconic sign in Las Vegas. Perhaps one of the most iconic signs in all of the world. The “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada” sign is located inside the median at 5100 Las Vegas Boulevard South, across from the old Klondike Hotel & Casino. Let’s get into some fun facts, shall(…)

  • Remembering Sahara’s Pool
  • The International

    The International

    In 1967, Kirk Kerkorian bought 82 acres of land on Paradise Road in Las Vegas for $5 million and, with architect Martin Stern, built the International Hotel in 1969. It was then sold to Hilton Hotels in 1970, just a year after it opened. It became the Las Vegas Hilton in 1971. When it opened,(…)

Vintage Vegas and History Links

All of these resources are terrific for looking into the history of Las Vegas. Please visit each of these sites and let them know how much they are appreciated! 

Center For Gaming Research

Las Vegas Sun History

In Old Vegas

360 Vintage Vegas

Vintage Vegas Flickr

PBS Las Vegas Movie Page

The Mob Museum

The Neon Museum

Vegas Today and Tomorrow

Grandissimo The Book