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City Cast Las Vegas

People, places, and scenes from Las Vegas' past.

Rob Kachelriess

 🎂 The resort opened on the Las Vegas Strip six decades ago on August 5, 1966 — the same year 

 at the Sands. The mob was still in charge (hello, old friends 👋 ) and Clark County had 

We were about 25 years away from the era of the megaresort, but you could argue Caesars Palace planted the seed for it. The hotel started with about 600 rooms, breaking away from the standard motels and motor lodges on the Strip with a dramatic porte-cochère and a 14-story hotel tower. Over the years, Caesars Palace grew to nearly 4,000 rooms in six towers, including one branded the 

 resort, pioneering another Vegas staple: the hotel-within-a-hotel 🙃 And the 

 helped prove that you can’t truly be a big resort on the Strip without a sprawling shopping mall attached.

With a kitschy, but classic Roman Empire theme, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call Caesars Palace the most iconic hotel in Vegas history. Suites unofficially named after “The Hangover” and “Rain Man” symbolize Sin City excess, whether those movies actually 

. The property has seen its share of wild, often notorious moments: an 

Through it all, the resort helped shape Strip entertainment. Before the Sphere came around, Caesars Palace had the 

, which was later torn down, along with the Circus Maximus showroom for the 

 — a 5,000-seat concert hall that reframed the Vegas residency with 

 by Celine Dion. Caesars Palace also embraced the celebrity chef boom with the likes of 

 this month to celebrate its big anniversary. You can also visit the Mob Museum Aug. 6 for 

Not Built in a Day: The Epic Story of Caesars Palace

, a discussion included with paid admission to learn more about the resort’s history.

Six decades after opening on the Las Vegas Strip, Caesars Palace continues to evolve. 

60 Years of Caesars Palace in Las Vegas

Caesars Palace Celebrates 60 Years in Las Vegas

People, places, and scenes from Las Vegas's past.

Las Vegas History

 quietly opened this week with an official grand opening celebration planned for June. The resort, which has a prime Strip location on the corner of Flamingo Road, has shifted identities over the years, beginning more than 47 years ago as the Barbary Coast.

Michael Gaughan opened the Barbary Coast Hotel and Casino on March 2, 1979, taking over a four-acre lot originally home to the Desert Villa motor lodge, which first welcomed guests in 1952. The name evolved to Empey’s Desert Villa and the Times Square Motel before closing.

 (or nearly $53 million in today’s dollars) to build from the ground up, allowing Gaughan to establish his own identity as a casino operator. He followed the advice of his father, legendary Vegas magnate Jackie Gaughan, who 

believed in the power of operating on corner lots

Other Strip properties, including the Flamingo and Caesars Palace, 

, complaining the new resort would generate too much traffic for the intersection, but Gaughan was able to win approval by the Clark County Commission. A year later, the Barbary Coast would temporarily close to assist survivors of the deadly 

Looking back, the Barbary Coast was a bridge between the eras of the motor lodge and the megaresort, making an impression with Victorian decor and stained-glass murals. The cylindrical neon marquee on the southwest corner of the hotel became closely associated with the Strip itself — and the font for the name would eventually become known as “Barbary Coast block.” With less than 200 rooms and a relatively small casino floor, Michael’s Gourmet Room and Drai’s (a restaurant that 

Gaughan sold the Barbary Coast to Boyd Gaming, which renamed the resort Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon. Eventually, the property landed in the hands of Caesars Entertainment. Plans to rebrand the property as a Gansevoort hotel fizzled out (over 

) before it was revamped as the Cromwell, mixing luxury with vintage Parisian aesthetics and moving Drai’s upstairs next to a new rooftop pool.

The names and identities keep changing, but the bones of the property are pretty much in place at the new Vanderpump Hotel. If you want to relive the history of the Barbary Coast today, a portion of the marquee is 

 and decor from the original Michael’s Gourmet Room, including a stained-glass door and marble floor, is 

The Vanderpump Hotel is now open, but we kinda miss the days when the property was known as something else. 

Remembering the Barbary Coast Hotel and Casino

David Copperfield’s show at the MGM Grand 

 after 25 years. By all accounts, it’s one of the most successful residencies in Strip history, capitalizing on a famous run of CBS television specials in the ‘80s and ‘90s that featured stunts like walking through the Great Wall of China and making the Statue of Liberty disappear.

Before the MGM Grand came calling, Copperfield had a Vegas presence at Caesars Palace, where he performed for 15 years inside the Circus Maximus ballroom. He also hosted a 

 on property that saw the magician escape a straitjacket while hanging from burning ropes 

Much like his stunts, nothing is ever too big for David Copperfield. He 

 in 2016 for $17.55 million, then a record for a Las Vegas home. (Based on his annual 

, he could’ve purchased three of ‘em with change to spare.) Before that, he lived off Tomiyasu Lane in a house (that 

 in 2023) between Sunset Park and Wayne Newton’s Casa de Shenandoah.

Off stage, Copperfield kept a low profile for a local celebrity, stepping out on occasion to represent Vegas at awards shows, 

, claims to help those with “physical, psychological, and social disabilities,” but is almost nonexistent. The nonprofit 

, collectively worth $30,000, to three recipients over the five most recent years of data. Revenue peaked at just over $8,000 in 2020. Last year, 

Copperfield made a greater investment in founding and financing the International Museum and Library of the Conjuring Arts, a Vegas warehouse that honors magic with more than 

More artifacts were stored in Copperfield’s four-story New York penthouse, which was 

. The performer also spends time at his own tropical resort, 

, an archipelago of 11 islands in the Bahamas that welcomes private groups of up to 12 guests, 

It’s another Caribbean location — Little Saint James or “Epstein Island” — that could ultimately define how we remember David Copperfield. According to federal evidence, the magician 

 with convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and was infamously 

 with co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell. Add in 

 by at least 16 women, and you may understand why MGM Resorts is now ending its relationship with the headliner sans fanfare. (Copperfield’s lawyers have denied any wrongdoing, and denied he had any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes).

I crossed paths with David Copperfield exactly one time in Las Vegas — backstage at the MGM Grand before a show. He was very nice. I got a press discount for a front-row table that was actually too close to the stage to soak everything in. (When Copperfield addressed the audience, I could see directly up his nostrils. Not a booger or stray hair in sight. His grooming was impeccable.) The show was fine. There was no Statue of Liberty to make disappear, but his grand finale involved something with a small plane.

You can see it for yourself. Tickets remain for the final three performances tomorrow. Just don’t expect any money you spend to make its way to the Project Magic Fund.

David Copperfield’s Las Vegas Residency Ends: Was He Ever Really One of Us?

Nevada is full of ghost towns. We actually have 

. You can thank a boom-and-bust mining legacy, which left behind a few spooky but historic sites to visit within driving distance of Las Vegas.

Located between Beatty and Death Valley, 

 began as a small camp in 1904, then exploded in size when gold was discovered. It quickly became a full-blown town with street lights, hotels, an opera house, stock exchange, schoolhouse, and dozens of saloons. At its peak, there were 10,000 residents. It all went belly-up by 1920 and the town cleared out. Today, Rhyolite is a fascinating place to see the crumbling remains of a bank, jail, and railroad depot while taking some impressive photos.

 isn’t nearly as well known as Rhyolite, but just an hour or so northwest, making it a relatively easy stop on a ghost town road trip — or 

 🎰 The town was known as Lime Point and Hornsilver before Gold Point stuck. It grew from a cozy mining camp to a town with more than 200 tin and wood structures before fizzling out around World War II. Investor Walt Kremin 

 in the 1980s with a partner who contributed winnings from a Vegas slot machine to the effort and now you can book a night in an old mining cabin, order whiskey from a saloon, and send mail from the original post office.

The place known as “Nelson Ghost Town” southeast of Vegas is actually 51 acres of private property outside Nelson’s official boundaries. Nestled within Eldorado Canyon, it includes the historic 

, which was once the richest place to dig for gold in Nevada — and attracted all sorts of criminals and riff raff hoping to get rich. Today, you can 

 and walk among historic structures. A lot of the “ghost town” elements — like vintage vehicles and gas station pumps — were added over the years. You’ll also spot old planes, including one filmed in a crash scene for the movie “3,000 Miles to Graceland.”

 has the unique distinction of becoming a ghost town twice. Once when left behind by native tribes and another when Mormon settlers were forced to clear out — or risk being flooded by the rising waters created by the construction of the Hoover Dam. Now that Lake Mead is receding, St. Thomas has become visible again, revealing what’s left of old buildings and foundations. Getting there is a little tough, due to a rocky, unpaved access road in Moapa Valley.

Nevada's boom-and-bust mining legacy produced hundreds of ghost towns. A few of them are within driving distance from Las Vegas. 

Ghost Towns Near Las Vegas

The Coolest, Creepiest Ghost Towns Near Las Vegas

 of the Hard Rock’s ever-rising guitar-shaped hotel tower has become a spectator sport in Las Vegas, and while I’m looking forward to seeing it finished — I kinda miss the old place.

The Mirage lasted from 1989 to 2024 at the Hard Rock’s new address, ushering in the era of the “megaresort” and changing Las Vegas for good. The man behind it says its design was based on the three primordial sources of life 💧 🌻 ☀️ 👀

“You’ll notice all the hotels we built depended heavily on the use of water, plants, and indoor-outdoor spaces where the sun was shining,” 

Those elements were reflected in the rainforest atrium, aquariums, and tropical-themed swimming lagoons at the Mirage. Wynn also put his creative stamp on the Bellagio with its conservatory and fountain shows, which remain iconic imprints of Las Vegas today. By the time his own self-titled resort came around, a waterfall was the kind of thing you could see inside a restaurant and floral displays threatened to outpace slot machines on casino floors. (Well, 

 … but you get the idea.) In each case, the goal was to create a hotel that “invites people and makes the place aspirational.”

These musings aren’t coming to light in a memoir or docuseries, but on Instagram, where Wynn might be the social media network’s most active 83 year old. 

 the Strip on the Treasure Island pirate ship.

At times, he almost seems to be chronicling his own career, producing an autobiographical documentary post by post instead of waiting for somebody else to come along and do something more official.

These bite-size news nuggets reveal how Wynn’s influence continues to shape Strip tourism, even while he remains absent from it. The casino giant was effectively booted from the Las Vegas industrial complex after a 

With a mixed legacy, it’s hard to assess if Las Vegas is better off with or without Steve Wynn. But even if he doesn't deserve a like, his account might be worth a follow.

While persona non grata in the Vegas casino industry, Steven Wynn is busy chronicling his life and career on social media.

Steve Wynn: Missing From Vegas, But Active on Instagram

, a series of tours and events by the Nevada Preservation Foundation that celebrate and promote the need to protect everyday history within our community.

“O ur mission is to preserve and revitalize historic buildings, neighborhoods, and cultural landscapes across Nevada,” says Dr. Paige Figanbaum, the nonprofit’s executive director. “And how we do that is through education and outreach.”

It’s also a lot of fun. The four-day festival kicks off on April 15 with a 

 reception inside a 1930s Tudor style home. The party takes inspiration from the wild days of the Prohibition era with live jazz, cocktails, and bites from local chefs James Trees and Tood Harrington.

, a sunset soirée at the Spanish Oaks Tennis Club, modeled after the preppy spirit of the “greed is good” decade.

. Take a bus tour that showcases places of worship with timeless architecture, a bike ride past old motels on Fremont Street and Lawyer’s Row, or a cocktail crawl through the Water Street District. In an annual tradition that dates back to the start, a home tour invites participants to step inside seven older, historic houses and learn about not only the properties, but the surrounding neighborhoods.

“People are really surprised how closely connected these historic neighborhoods are,” Figanbaum says. “You can be at John S. Park and drive 10 minutes to Beverly Green.”

Maybe you live in a home that might qualify as historic? 

 is the lunch for you. “Sometimes people get a little intimidated when thinking about what it takes for preservation and just having the conversation of ‘What is a historic designation?’ and ‘What does that mean when I'm living in an older home?’ We're able to answer all of those questions.”

The festival effectively kicks off the year for the Nevada Preservation Foundation, which continues to offer monthly programming and an 

 that can be used anytime. Take a walking tour of historic Woodlawn Cemetery or a drive to see more of the great midcentury modern architecture that's throughout Southern Nevada.

 shares more insight with City Cast Las Vegas with discussions about the 

. Think of these episodes as just a preview of what 

 is all about. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

Home + History Las Vegas returns with tours via walking, bus, bikes, and more. 

A Las Vegas Tour of Historic Homes and Neighborhoods

Back in Time: A Celebration of Vegas History Returns

When does a city actually become a city? 🤔 It’s an easy question with a complicated answer — especially for Las Vegas. Indigenous tribes roamed the region for centuries before the 

 became the first permanent non-native settlement when it was built in 1855 — nine years before the Nevada Territory became a state — but the Utah pioneers who lived there 

The Vegas we know today dates back to when a railroad line between Salt Lake City and Southern California established a pivotal stop in what is now Downtown. The railroad company 

 on May 15, 1905 — a date everyone accepts as the official founding of Las Vegas.

, the City of Las Vegas was incorporated on March 16, 1911. That’s 115 years ago today! Slice the cake and pour me a shot of moonshine 🎂 🥃 

, and other sources beg to differ, saying the incorporation actually happened a few months later on June 1, 1911.

So, what gives? My schedule is tight and my microfiche skills aren’t what they used to be, so instead of doing more research, I cut to the chase and asked UNLV History Professor Michael Green to clarify.

Alright. Put the cake away. (Leave the moonshine.) We’ll reconvene on June 1.

Maybe we should just stick with May 15 🎂

 The original land auction is worth celebrating, especially since it 

, the oldest casino in Las Vegas. [City Cast Las Vegas ✍️]

When Did Las Vegas Become a City?

Is Today Las Vegas’ Real Birthday?

Drive around Downtown Las Vegas for a little while and you may come across a dusty relic of adobe-crafted history, built more than 170 years ago. The 

Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park

 is a quiet place, but one that ties together a wide variety of threads that helped shape Southern Nevada.

The fort, on the corner of Las Vegas Blvd. and Washington Ave., is in the heart of the Las Vegas Cultural Corridor, which also includes the 

Las Vegas Science & Natural History Museum

The fort wasn’t for the military. It was built in 1855 for Mormon missionaries traveling a segment of the Old Spanish Trail between Salt Lake City and San Bernardino. The location was chosen for its spring-fed creek — and a replica of it trickles through the site today. Construction took seven months. When complete, the fort 

spanned 150 square feet with 14-foot-high adobe walls

, making it the largest building for at least 100 miles.

The fort was around just two years before resources were stretched and tensions escalated with native Paiute tribes, prompting the church to recall the settlers from their mission. California entrepreneur Octavius Decatur Gass 

 in 1865, supplying goods to workers and travelers. He also developed orchards and wine vineyards while employing Paiute workers. Pioche businessman Archibald Stewart took control of the ranch over a loan dispute — and was later killed at Kiel Ranch, which is a 

 — before widow Helen Stewart took over the ranch for 20 years and established her own identity as the 

Ownership of the fort passed through the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad company, Bureau of Land Management, and City of Las Vegas before preservationist groups campaigned for it to become an official state park in 1991.

The site includes part of the original adobe structure with some parts recreated in the style of the era. You can browse artifacts and equipment, walk past pioneer wagons, and hang out at the picnic tables. The admission fee is the best three bucks you’ll spend in Vegas. (Kids 12 and under are free.)

The oldest non-native settlement in Las Vegas set the stage for the community we know today. 

Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort Represents the History of Las Vegas

The Secret State Park in the Middle of Downtown Vegas

 returns next week, breathing temporary life into the dusty lungs of Primm, a place valued more for gas stations and restrooms than casinos these days. So get ready to take a short road trip to the state line. The race is a unique piece of Vegas lore that dates back decades.

The Mint 400 is one of the most prestigious and legendary off-road races in the world. Competitors hit a 100-mile dirt track in the desert for a total of four laps, adding up to 400 miles total — hence the name. There are different races in various vehicles and skill levels on Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7.

The race began in 1968, taking place in the desert outside Downtown. Sponsored by The Mint hotel and casino on Fremont Street, the event was originally an idea to promote the resort’s annual deer hunt, but developed into the largest off-road race in the world.

, including Indianapolis 500 winners, but also celebrity entrants like actors Steve McQueen and James Garner. Festivities connected to the race were hosted by the “Girls of the Mint 400,” selected from hundreds of entries each year. Lynda Carter and Vanna White were among the finalists early in their careers. The race was a focal point of Hunter S. Thompson’s “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” which elevated its status as an iconic event.

 and became part of the property now known as Binions, putting an end to the race. In 2008, new owners revived the Mint 400, which is now marketed more directly to racing enthusiasts.

 in Primm outside Buffalo Bill’s. Four additional 

 run along the track in Jean. Tickets begin at $37.36. Then again, you can always 

The Mint 400 has a festival atmosphere with food trucks, bars, exhibitors, entertainment, and a series of 

, including a vehicle parade down the Strip Wednesday, March 4 at 3 p.m. and a free festival in the Fremont East district Thursday, March 5, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Buffalo Bill’s hosts post-race celebrations, featuring ‘90s and beyond cover band 

The most notorious and grueling off-road race in the world has a long history in Las Vegas. 

Mint 400 Las Vegas Dates and Schedule

The Mint 400 and Its Wild Las Vegas History

 is now open on IMAX screens before expanding to a wider theatrical release next week. The film offers a look at the King’s groundbreaking Las Vegas residency with rare footage uncovered from the early 1970s.

I saw a preview screening at the Westgate’s International Theatre, the same place where Elvis performed 

, back when the property was known as the International Hotel and later, the Hilton.

The movie is a fascinating and often exhilarating time capsule, stitched together with 35mm and 8mm footage from the Warner Bros. archives, discovered by director Baz Luhrmann while laying the groundwork for his 2022 “Elvis” biopic.

The first thing that hits you: it looks amazing — the benefits of recording on film before “high def” came around. You see Elvis in all his glory. Every pore and stray hair. But I was also struck by the clarity of the sound mix, especially after learning some of the original film footage was silent and painstakingly synced to alternative audio sources.

This isn’t your standard documentary. There are no talking heads spouting off scripted observations. Just Elvis himself, always full of personality, chatting to the press, mugging for the cameras, and joking around with his band. I think he’d be a lot more restrained and self-aware if cellphones and social media were around. Watching him kiss one female fan after another — without hesitation, right on the mouth — is jarring by today’s standards, but if you want to see the ‘70s, you’re gonna get it.

In a moment of seriousness, Presley tells the camera it’s not his place to talk about politics, drawing fierce applause from some in the audience during my screening. Today’s divisive climate doesn’t take a break, even at the movies. It wasn’t lost on me that Elvis spoke those words during the Vietnam War, a time when opinions on the latest news cycle didn’t always match the reflections that came decades later.

The one thing we can all agree on: the raw power and natural talent of Elvis. I’m not sure if he was a musical genius, but he was definitely a musical spirit. He feels every note and every beat. And you feel it through him — even on film. Some song clips are longer than others, but the best moment is when the King trades the stage moves for a guitar, sits down, and croons the lesser-known “Little Sister” from beginning to end. Messy hair, sweat everywhere — and it’s perfect.

Who needs stage effects or backing tracks?

I’d love to go back in time and experience this Las Vegas residency live in person, but 

 is the next best thing. See it in a theater if you can.