Neon lights. Smoky casinos. Going nearly bankrupt after a few drinks and a couple of bad turns. Though several aspects of the Las Vegas experience have stayed consistent throughout the decades, a whole lot more have changed — just take a look at these photos of the iconic Nevada locale as seen during its mid-century heyday.
From tourists to newly-minted resorts, here are 15 photos of the Las Vegas strip from before you were born.
1
“Jackpot”
“Slots on Fremont St, 1955.”
2
Big Hair, Bigger Bets
“Riviera Hotel casino floor, 1969.”
3
Elvis Now!
The exterior of the International Hotel, as seen in 1971.
4
“Win! $1,000”
“Fashion Show Mall, Frontier and Stardust.”
5
All Respect
Rodney Dangerfield On The Strip promoting his "No Respect" show at the Tropicana In 1977.
6
Stardust
“Siegfried & Roy Headline The Stardust, 1980.”
7
Hot and Fresh
"In 1946, El Rancho Vegas opened the Chuck Wagon Buffet, introducing city visitors to the concept of the all-you-can-eat buffet."
8
‘A Place In The Sun’
The ‘Rat Pack’ locale as seen during its early days.
9
Glitter Gulch
“The Plaza Hotel and Vegas Vickie, 1983.”
10
Family Photos
“Downtown Las Vegas in 1967.”
11
Flamingo Feathers
The iconic Flamingo resort, as seen circa 1970.
12
“Lucky One”
“The Plaza Showroom, guessing this from around their opening in 1971.”
13
Final Frontier
The Las Vegas stretch, as seen in 1980.
14
’60s Sights
“Fremont Street 1966.”
15
Desert Inn
“This rare color photo was taken by the Las Vegas News Bureau, the publicity arm of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, in 1952 to market Las Vegas. The Desert Inn was opened by Wilbur Clark and hosted 300 employees, making it the largest employer in the state, at the time.”
