On May 15th, 2025, Las Vegas celebrated its 120th birthday, honoring the growth, innovation, and unforgettable moments that have redefined tourism and shaped the city into the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World.

Founded on May 15, 1905, as a small railroad stop in the desert, Las Vegas quickly evolved into a global powerhouse for tourism, hospitality, and entertainment. From the legalization of gaming in 1931 to the opening of the Flamingo Hotel in 1946, Las Vegas set the stage for a new era of excitement. The iconic "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign, erected in 1959, became a symbol of the city’s vibrant spirit.

Las Vegas: An American Story

The different eras of Las Vegas, perhaps more than any other city, chronicle the changing circumstances and attitudes of America. The pioneering spirit of the American West; a Golden Age marked by the end of Prohibition; the industry of a WWII training ground for soldiers headed to the Pacific Theater; the optimism of a postwar city teeming with entertainers and glitzy new casinos; the pride and fear of an Atomic Era taking shape mere miles from the Las Vegas Strip; and the party heyday of the swinging ‘60s—all played out on the stark canvas of the desert.

Glamorous Gaming of Yesteryear
Gambling at the Golden Nugget, circa 1947

Glamorous Gaming of Yesteryear

Hoover Dam construction began in 1931 - Las Vegas developed casinos and showgirl venues along Fremont Street, hoping to attract dam workers on their days off.

Getting Organized
Ben Goffstein, Moe Sedway and Gus Greenbaum at the Flamingo Hotel, circa 1948

Getting Organized

Vegas was an “open city” in the 1950s & 60s, where anyone could invest—becoming a haven for such early casino investors (and mob bosses) as Bugsy Siegel, Tony “The Ant” Spilotro and Frank Rosenthal.

Atomic Era
An atomic bomb mushroom cloud seen from the Old Frontier Village by swimming spectators, 1953

The Atomic Era

Nuclear testing sparked atomic tourism. The Nevada Test Site also brought thousands of military personnel, thousands of jobs, and more than $176 million in federal funds to the region.

Rat Pack
Rat Pack members Peter Lawford, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Joe Bishop perform at their “Summit at the Sands”, 1960

America’s Playground

Elvis, showgirls, and the Rat Pack helped define Las Vegas as a playground for production shows and A-list entertainment in the 1960s, 1970s, and beyond.

The Rise of the Megaresort
The volcano erupts at Mirage, 1995

The Rise of the Megaresort

The Mirage, opening in 1989, changed the complexion of the Strip. Iconic themed resorts like Luxor, Bellagio, Paris Las Vegas, and The Venetian turned Las Vegas Boulevard into an immersive fantasy world.

Aces Parade
Team owner Mark Davis celebrates on the Strip with his team, the Las Vegas Aces, on their 2022 WNBA championship

Sports Authority

Vegas continued to reinvent itself from gaming and entertainment hub to a leader in pro sports, welcoming the Golden Knights, Raiders, Aces, F1, and major events like Super Bowl LVIII and WrestleMania 41.

"As we celebrate 120 incredible years, we honor the people, partnerships and innovation that have made Las Vegas a place unlike anywhere else— and we’re just getting started."

- Steve Hill, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).

The Only Constant: Change

What was once a place known mostly for cheap eats, slot machines, and showgirls has become a nexus for major league sports, world-class concerts, marquee events, and immersive attractions.

Next Up

Venues like Allegiant Stadium and T-Mobile Arena paved the way for sports and opportunity, and Sphere has set a new bar for immersive entertainment. Firsts on the horizon: the College Football Playoff Championship (2027) and the NCAA Men’s Final Four (2028). In 2028, Major League Baseball’s Athletics will make Las Vegas home at the state-of-the-art A’s stadium, which will break ground this year.

Let’s Celebrate

Sphere’s iconic exterior LED screen – the world’s largest – will light up with its emoji, Orbi™—who will blow out birthday candles on marquees across Las Vegas. Orbi has become part of the Las Vegas community, sweating through a heat wave, waking up with a daily cup of coffee and putting its party hat on every Friday and Saturday night. Thanks for celebrating with us.