1941: The Beginnings of The Strip

The first hotel on the Strip was founded on April 3, 1941, by Thomas E. Hull. El Rancho was built on Highway 91, also called the Los Angeles Highway. The western-themed resort had 63 rooms, a pool and, believe it or not, air conditioning. Downtown, the luxurious El Cortez opened the same year.

Other notable news from this year included the closing of Las Vegas’ red light district on First Street. It was called Block 16 and was forced to close because of the opening of the Las Vegas Army Air Field.

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