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Vegas Timeline

Las Vegas has a short but very rich history, one that's in constant motion as the city constantly redefines itself. Even the addition of a new hotel can steer the city's history as did the construction of The Mirage in 1989, launching the city into a period of hotel growth featuring exotic themes and lots of luxury.

1829 Spanish explorers make the first European discovery of the region

1855 Mormon settlers found first settlement in Las Vegas

1905 Town of Las Vegas established

1911 City of Las Vegas incorporated

1926 First commercial airline flight (Western Airlines)

1931 Construction of Hoover Dam started

1931 Gambling legalized in the state of Nevada

1941 El Rancho Las Vegas opens on Las Vegas Strip

1946 Bugsy Siegal opens Flamingo Hotel

1966 Howard Hughes moves to Desert Inn

1985 First National Finals Rodeo moves to Las Vegas

1989 Mirage opens, starting a trend toward large theme hotels

1990 Excalibur opens as world’s largest hotel

1993 MGM Grand Hotel and Theme Park opens as largest resort hotel-casino in world

1994 Work begins on Fremont Street Experience

1995 Fremont Street Experience opens

1998 Bellagio opens as the most expensive hotel in the world ($1.7 billion)

2005 Wynn Las Vegas opens, setting the bar once again for Las Vegas elegance