32^nd Global Nursing and Healthcare Congress

Las Vegas, Nevada, has a captivating and dynamic history that has shaped it into one of the most iconic cities in the world. The area was originally inhabited by the Southern Paiute Native American tribe, who lived in the desert for thousands of years. The first European explorers, led by Spanish conquistadors, arrived in the region in the 18th century, but it wasn’t until 1829 that the area was officially named Las Vegas by the Mexican scout Rafael Rivera. The name, which means "the meadows" in Spanish, was given due to the lush green springs that contrasted with the surrounding desert landscape. Despite its early exploration and eventual settlement in the mid-19th century, the area remained relatively remote and sparsely populated until the early 20th century. Las Vegas began to gain significance with the construction of the nearby Hoover Dam in the 1930s, which brought an influx of workers and infrastructure to the area. In 1931, Nevada legalized gambling to generate revenue during the Great Depression, a decision that would forever change the city’s trajectory. This legislative move laid the foundation for the creation of the iconic Las Vegas Strip and helped transform the city into the entertainment capital of the world. In the 1940s, the opening of the Flamingo Hotel and Casino, led by mobster Bugsy Siegel, marked the beginning of Las Vegas’ rise as a gambling and entertainment destination. The city attracted Hollywood stars, musicians, and entertainers, and it wasn’t long before other legendary resorts, such as the Sands and the Riviera, began to take shape. Throughout the mid-20th century, Las Vegas became synonymous with the glamour of showbiz and the allure of its vibrant nightlife. The city became a haven for entertainment icons such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr., whose performances at famous hotels like the Sands Hotel, the Desert Inn, and the Tropicana helped solidify Las Vegas as a centre of entertainment. At the same time, the influence of organized crime grew in the city, and many of the largest casinos were connected to the Mafia. However, by the late 1970s, corporate interests and the federal government began to take a more significant role in Las Vegas’ development, bringing about a shift in ownership and a decline in mob control.