Glimpse history through fascinating old images of Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Las Vegas in the 1950s
The next slideshow of old photos looks at Las Vegas in the 1950s, including some of the many celebrities who visited the city.
50 Amazing Photos Of Las Vegas In The 1950s and 60s – Rare History on YouTube
1955 Drive Down The Strip
This is a rare home movie from 1955, driving down from the Desert Inn to the Pioneer Club.
Las Vegas 1955 ~ A Sunny Drive Down the Strip ~ Old Vegas! – Ken Butz on YouTube
The Strip in 1965
In 1965, a French filmmaker recorded his summer trip to North America, including the Vegas Strip.
Because he filmed both night and day, we see the bright lights shining through the darkness, and the Strip during daylight. He also filmed customers inside the casinos.
There’s an interesting moment at 3:10, where a man holds a sign saying:
ON STRIKE: THIS EMPLOYER REFUSES TO BARGAIN WITH GAMING EMPLOYEES”
American Federation of Casino and Gaming Employees
Then at 3:23 a woman walks down the busy Strip with her partner, wearing her hair in big pink curlers, only slightly hidden by the head wrapping.
Las Vegas 1965 archive footage – Footageforpro.com on YouTube
The Strip in 1983
Back in 1983 a West German filmmaker filmed his tour guided visit to the USA. This is when the Berlin Wall still existed, and Russia controlled East Germany, including parts of Berlin.
He recorded the people and places he saw as he walked along the street.
The young man changing the lightbulbs, working for YESCO sign company until 1984, had no idea he was being filmed that day. After a long career as a pharmacist, he was surprised to see himself in this video from so long ago!
Las Vegas 1983 archive footage – Footageforpro.com on YouTube
History of Las Vegas
In this video about Las Vegas’s early history, which lasts just over an hour, you’ll find out about the following topics:
- Early settlers faced numerous challenges, including extreme heat, water scarcity, and sanitation issues.
- Helen Stewart played a significant role in the early settlement and development of Las Vegas.
- The construction of the Clark County Courthouse showcased Las Vegas’ ambition.
- The progressive movement influenced Las Vegas, but gambling continued illegally.
- Las Vegas’ transformation from a small town to a thriving community during World War One.
- Importance of self-governance and incorporation for further development
- Las Vegas offered a sense of independence and freedom to its residents.
- Automobiles and infrastructure development began shaping the city.
- The railroad, led by William Andrews Clark, was instrumental in the growth of the town.
- The importance of water in Las Vegas’ history and future development
- Racial tensions existed, but the minority population was small.
- Women’s suffrage was achieved in Nevada before the national amendment.
- Transition from a rough frontier town to a more civilized city.
- Growth and development driven by entrepreneurial individuals.
- Las Vegas’s early success attributed to the railroad’s presence.
- Las Vegas residents showed strong patriotism during World War One.
- Las Vegas was a small town with limited development before the 1910s.
- The impact of the influenza epidemic on the city.
- Water was the central point of Las Vegas’ development.
- Native Americans faced dispossession without a treaty.
“By 1910, Las Vegas had 10 miles of graded and curb streets, electric lights, a water system, a new hospital, six hotels and several lodging houses, two churches, a Volunteer Fire Department, five general merchandise stores, four clothing stores, a hardware store, a woman’s clothing store, three Barber shops, a bakery, and six restaurants.”
The City of Las Vegas: The Early Years – KCLV Channel 2 on YouTube
