Las Vegas Founding

Most populous city in Nevada, United States

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Overview

What happened

Las Vegas, colloquially shortened to Vegas, is the most populous city in the U.S.

Date

May 15, 1905

Location

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

Key people

Helen J. Stewart

Outcome

May 15, 1905, marked the official founding of Las Vegas, a city that would grow from 25 people to over 24,000 by 1940, according to the US Census Bureau.

Why it matters

The article’s specific value lies in its focus on the Las Vegas Land and Water Company’s 1905 water rights acquisition and its long term impact on municipal infrastructure, a topic a...

What was Las Vegas Founding?

Las Vegas, colloquially shortened to Vegas, is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and the county seat of Clark County. It is the 24th-most populous city in the United States, with 641,903 residents at the 2020 census. The Las Vegas metropolitan area has an estimated 2.4 million residents and is the 29th-largest metropolitan area in the country. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city, known primarily for its gambling, shopping, fine dining, entertainment, and nightlife. Most of these venues are located in downtown Las Vegas or on the Las Vegas Strip, which is outside city limits in the unincorporated towns of Paradise and Winchester. The Las Vegas Valley serves as the leading financial, commercial, and cultural center in Nevada.

Background and consequences

Las Vegas was settled in 1905 and officially incorporated in 1911. At the close of the 20th century, it was the most populated North American city founded within that century. Population growth has accelerated since the 1960s and into the 21st century, and between 1990 and 2000 the population increased by 85.2%. The city bills itself as the Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous for its luxurious and large casino-hotels. As of 2023, Las Vegas attracts over 40.8 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited cities in the United States and consistently ranking among the world's top tourist destinations. It is the third most popular U.S. destination for business conventions and a global leader in the hospitality industry.

Why it matters

The city's tolerance for numerous forms of adult entertainment has earned it the nickname "Sin City," and has made it a popular setting for films, literature, television programs, commercials and music videos.

Related on thisDay

Las Vegas Founding — May 15, 1905

25 people became 24,000 by 1940 in Las Vegas, Nevada, after its 1905 founding, transforming the US desert landscape into a city

Sources and further reading

Use the dated article for the day-specific account; use these references to check the event record and explore its wider historical context.

Date article: Las Vegas Founding — May 15, 1905 Wikipedia source

Cite this page

MLA

“Las Vegas Founding.” thisDay, thisday.info/history/las-vegas-founding/. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

APA

Las Vegas Founding. (n.d.). thisDay. Retrieved October 19, 2026, from https://thisday.info/history/las-vegas-founding/

Chicago

“Las Vegas Founding.” thisDay. Accessed October 19, 2026. https://thisday.info/history/las-vegas-founding/.

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