Date
6-19-2024
Department
College of Arts and Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in History (PhD)
Chair
Larry Toll
Keywords
Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, Mob
Disciplines
Arts and Humanities
Recommended Citation
Mislan, Stephen J., "Diverting the Mob Mentality: The Real Dam History of Las Vegas" (2024). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 5744.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/5744
Abstract
Las Vegas emerged as one of the most popular cities in the United States. Many factors impacted this improbable transformation from just a remote desert valley to a world-class resort destination in its relatively short existence. The story of how all of these factors led to such a fabulous city in such an unlikely location was truly the stuff of legends. The most prevalent narrative about the history of Las Vegas was that the mob built the city. The mob, indeed, was responsible for many casinos and casino innovations. Several other key figures, events, and circumstances contributed to the city’s growth as well. There was, however, a larger driving force, one capable of controlling a river. Established in 1905, Las Vegas was originally home to its first inhabitants, the Paleo-Indians, as early as 11,000 B.C. The Archaics were next, then the Anasazi, and later the Paiutes. The local springs provided water for these Native Americans to survive. The location of Las Vegas and the readily available water later made the valley an ideal spot for a railroad stop. Las Vegas also had the good fortune of tolerant Nevada laws and its positioning in the vicinity of the Colorado River. The story after that included the mob, legendary entertainers, unmatched casino resorts, elite sports franchises, and more. By 2024, Las Vegas was a city in a class by itself, and few would have wagered on that a century ago or so. It is somewhat fitting that, in many ways, this was a matter of pure chance. The unpredictability of the Colorado River, for instance, had long been a threat to the American West leading into the 1930s. The Hoover Dam, erected in close proximity to the Las Vegas valley and open for business beginning in 1935, controlled the wild river, preventing flooding and harnessing energy. This was the real story of how the Hoover Dam built modern Las Vegas.
