22 Historical Photos That Show Vegas in the Days of Old

Carly Tennes Published 10/15/2024 in wow

While today, Las Vegas may best be described as an overpriced shopping mall with expensive shows, slots, and restaurants, it once truly lived up to its nickname of "Sin City," boasting showgirls, gambling, and a whole lot of wild parties.

From pool poker to Elvis in his "Viva Las Vegas" era, here are 24 photos of Old School Vegas that will have you longing for a whiskey on the rocks and a $5.00 prime rib.

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1. “Here's my Grandpa at the Sahara Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas circa 1964 ~30yo.”
2. “Backstage at the Tropicana, Las Vegas. 1957.”
3. “Ann Margret and Elvis Presley In Las Vegas, 1964.”
4. “Las Vegas Strip 1950’s.”
5. “Debra Paget Performing at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, December (1954).”
6. “The Las Vegas Strip during simpler times, 1970s.”
7. “Foxy lady and a Plymouth Barracuda in Las Vegas, 1970s.”
8. “Sands Hotel, Las Vegas - 1954.”
9. “Elvis Presley at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, 1969.”
10. “6 year-old Carrie Fisher watching mom, Debbie Reynolds, perform at the Riviera Hotel, Las Vegas, in 1963.”
11. “Tom Jones cutting his 34th birthday cake at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas (1974).”
12. “When Las Vegas was cool, 1959.”
13. “Elvis and Priscilla in Las Vegas, August 1969, for Nancy Sinatra’s opening night and after party.”
14. “Las Vegas 1950’s.”
15. “Lynda Carter in Las Vegas · 1972.”
16. “Las Vegas tourists watch a nuke test while swimming circa 1950s.”
17. “Frank Sinatra in Las Vegas, 1960.”
18. “‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’ - Hunter S. Thompson and his ‘attorney’ Oscar Zeta Acosta in Caesar’s Palace - April 1971.”
19. “Las Vegas showgirl Dale Strong 1952.”
20. “Las Vegas showgirls, 1960’s.”
21. A Las Vegas showgirl applying makeup, date unknown.
22. “The Folies Bergere at the Tropicana in Las Vegas, June 5, 1963.”