With the end of World War II, Las Vegas began to boom like never before. A host of resorts followed the El Rancho Vegas and Hotel Last Frontier along Highway 91, a road that, by 1952, had become the "Las Vegas Strip." The city would never be the same again.
Manis Collection
While the gambling clubs of downtown appealed to gambling habitués, many visitors found them small and crude. With the construction of the El Rancho Vegas, south of San Francisco Street on the Los Angeles Highway (today Sahara and the Strip), the town now had a first-class resort, though it was miles south of downtown.
The El Rancho Vegas would light the way for future growth on what would become the Strip.
Manis Collection
The El Rancho Vegas was revolutionary because, unlike downtown gambling halls, it was as close to a full-service resort as Las Vegas had ever seen.
Because of the desire to keep players near the tables, casino resorts like the El Rancho developed a range of amenities that could fulfill all of guest’s needs. This photo shows just how isolated and self-contained the early resorts were.
Frontier Hotel Collection
The Last Frontier was the first themed casino in Las Vegas. It was so thoroughly Western that, instead of a car, the resort sent a stagecoach to pick up guests from the airport.
Flamingo Promotional and Public Relations File
The Flamingo has been one of the most storied resorts of the Strip since its opening in late 1946. Although the infamous Bugsy Siegel is often identified as the Flamingo's founder, Billy Wilkerson was actually the visionary who started building the luxurious casino.
By the time this invitation was issued, he had been pushed aside by the combative Siegel, whose brief,unsuccessful involvement with the project ended with his June 1947 murder.
Manis Collection
Las Vegas News Bureau Collection
Wilbur and
Toni Clark Collection
Wilbur and Toni Clark Collection
Wilbur Clark, the affable public face of the Desert Inn, was a well-traveled advocate of the casino who, it seems, never failed to impress with his charm and generosity.
Here, the wife of then-Senator John F. Kennedy thanks Clark for the gift of a portable television.
In this letter, evangelist Billy Graham expresses his appreciation for Clark's hospitality and enlightening "explanation of gambling."
Fabulous Las
vegas
A host of enthusiastic boosters championed the cause of Las Vegas as a vacation destination.
Publisher Jack Cortez's Fabulous Las Vegas, one of the first magazines dedicated to Las Vegas nightlife, touted the wonders of the town to all who would listen.
As can be seen, the magazine highlighted casino openings and community events like the annual Helldorado parade.
Sands Collection
