Welcome to The Las Vegas Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Raiders starter on defense suffers season-ending knee injury.

• Upcoming Vegas Glass Beams concert

• A deep dive into the life of Bugsy Siegel

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth."

— Marcus Aurelius

Las Vegas Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What year was the City of Las Vegas officially founded?

A) 1900

B) 1905

C) 1911

D) 1920"

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The year in which the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign first light up is B) 1959.

News

💼 Business

El Cortez donates 50-year-old sign to the Neon Museum. (Link)

Power Slap residency coming to Strip casino. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Teammates from Las Vegas celebrate Phillies NL East championship. (Link)

Raiders starter on defense suffers season-ending knee injury. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Developer says cell tower delaying Huntridge Theater restoration project. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏒 Colorado Avalanche at Vegas Golden Knights
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Thursday, Oct. 3rd | (More info)

🏒 San Jose Sharks at Vegas Golden Knights
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Saturday, Oct. 5th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Deicide
Backstage Bar, Las Vegas
Monday, Sep. 30th | (More info)

🎶 Glass Beams
AREA15, Las Vegas
Tuesday, Oct. 1st | (More info)

Family

👶 Cribs for Kids
5905 South Decatur Blvd., Suite #13, Las Vegas
Thursday, Oct. 3rd | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Las Vegas with domed buildings” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Las Vegas History

1905: The founding of Las Vegas.

In 1905, the founding of Las Vegas marked the beginning of a transformative journey for a city that would eventually become synonymous with entertainment and gambling. Situated in the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas was initially established as a railroad town, serving as a key stopover on the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad. This connection was crucial for the city's early development, providing a lifeline for water and other essential resources in the arid desert landscape.

The city's founding was characterized by the auction of land parcels, which took place on May 15, 1905, leading to the establishment of a grid of streets downtown. This event attracted a mix of businessmen, railroad workers, and prospectors, setting the stage for the development of a community. Despite its humble beginnings, Las Vegas quickly evolved, spurred by the legalization of gambling in Nevada in 1931, which would later define its economic and cultural identity.

The founding of Las Vegas in 1905 was a pivotal moment that laid the foundation for its dramatic growth in the 20th century. From a railroad outpost, Las Vegas transformed into a bustling city known for its casinos, luxury hotels, and entertainment options, earning its nickname as The Entertainment Capital of the World. The city's founding is not just a key event in its own history but also a significant chapter in the story of the American West, reflecting themes of innovation, opportunity, and transformation.

Famous People In Las Vegas History

Bugsy Siegel (1906–1947): Mobster who played a key role in the development of the Las Vegas Strip.

Bugsy Siegel was born in 1906 in Brooklyn, New York, into a lower-income family. His early life in the rough neighborhoods of Brooklyn shaped his future path. Siegel became involved in crime at a young age, starting with petty theft and gradually moving into more serious criminal activities.

Rise in Organized Crime (1927-1939)

Siegel's charisma and ruthlessness quickly propelled him through the ranks of organized crime. He became involved with the American Mafia and played a significant role in various criminal activities, including bootlegging, gambling, and extortion. During this period, he also developed a reputation for violence.

Move to California and Hollywood Connections (1940-1945)

In the 1940s, Siegel moved to California, where he expanded his criminal activities. He mingled with Hollywood celebrities and influential figures, using these connections to further his interests in gambling and other illicit ventures.

The Flamingo and Vision for Las Vegas (1945-1946)

Siegel's most ambitious project was the development of The Flamingo in Las Vegas, a luxurious hotel and casino. His vision was to transform Las Vegas into a gambling and entertainment mecca. The Flamingo's development encountered various challenges, including significant cost overruns.

Controversies and Legal Challenges (1946-1947)

The high costs and delays in The Flamingo's construction led to tensions and controversies within the criminal underworld. Siegel faced legal challenges and mounting pressure from his Mafia associates over the mismanagement of funds.

Assassination and End of an Era (1947)

Siegel's life came to a violent end in 1947 when he was assassinated in Beverly Hills. His death marked the end of an era and had significant repercussions in the organized crime world.

Legacy in Las Vegas and Organized Crime (Post-1947)

Despite his notorious criminal background, Siegel's impact on the development of Las Vegas is undeniable. He is often credited with being a visionary in recognizing the potential of Las Vegas as a major resort destination.

Key Achievements:

• Played a key role in the development and expansion of organized crime in the United States.

• Integral in the establishment of The Flamingo in Las Vegas, contributing to the city's transformation.

• Left a complex legacy as a mobster with a vision that changed the face of Las Vegas.

Bugsy Siegel's life as a mobster and his role in the development of the Las Vegas Strip is a paradoxical blend of crime and visionary entrepreneurship. His involvement in organized crime and the creation of The Flamingo hotel and casino left an indelible mark on the history of Las Vegas, making him a controversial yet pivotal figure in the evolution of this iconic city.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen