Why go
The history is easiest to follow across several places. Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort explains the importance of springs; downtown preserves the railroad-era center; Hoover Dam transformed regional infrastructure; and the Neon and Mob museums trace the rise of casino culture. The Strip then moved resort development south into unincorporated Clark County, creating today's divided geography.
What to look for
- Water and rail access mattered before gambling became the city's dominant image.
- Downtown neon and Strip megaresorts represent different phases of entertainment development.
Useful to know
- Use the Mormon Fort, Mob Museum and Neon Museum as a chronological sequence.
- Treat current resort brands as changing layers rather than permanent historical landmarks.