Las Vegas may have a short history, but it is full of interesting tidbits and happenings. From the building of Hoover Dam to photos of Clark Townships (later to become Las Vegas), the history of Las Vegas is a story of hardship, adventure and glamor.
Check out some of the best books about the history of Las Vegas. Whether you're a longtime resident, a new transplant or a curious visitor, these books will help you get the lay of the historical landscape.
1. Historic Photos of Las Vegas
UNLV English instructor Jeff Burbank takes readers though a photographic history of Las Vegas from the earliest days in 1904 up to the beginnings of modern Las Vegas in 1950.
This coffee table book is a great addition to the library of history buffs, phot nuts and Las Vegas residents and visitors.
2. Weird Las Vegas
A legendary book about the weirder aspects of las vegas. A must read for visitors and residents alike.
Read up on ghosts, weird travel locales and local urban legends, all with a quirky sense of humor.
3. Las Vegas: An Unconventional History
Mormon Missionaries and Mobsters meet up in this companion book to the PBS series of the same name. A great book for those interested in the odder elements of the history of Sin City.
4. When the Mob Ran Vegas: Stories of Money, Mayhem and Murder
Movie stars, money and the mob combined in the 1950's to shape, some say alter, the history of Las Vegas and gave it the name Sin City.
This book details and regails with tales of mayhem and murder and is a great read.
5. Sun, Sin and Suburbia: An Essential History of Modern Las Vegas
Have you ever wanted to know the story behind Summerilin and Henderson? Want to know what made Howard Hughes so fascinating and Hank Greesnspun an icon? then read Sun, Sin and Suburbia: An Essential History of Modern Las Vegas to get all the tidbits you need to dominate the water cooler and the poker table.
6. Colossus: Hoover Dam and the Making of the American Century
Hoover Dam made Las Vegas. Without this colloslas modern marvel Sin City would never have gotten the chance to become sinful. Michael Hiltzik has written what may be the best book on the trials and triumphs behind this greatest of American achievements.
7. The Sordid Secrets of Las Vegas
Chock full (as the subtitle says) over 500 Seedy, sleazy and Scandolous Mysteries of Sin City. Can ya say count me in? I sure can (and do).
8. The Battle for Las Vegas: The Law Vs. the Mob
From the 70's till the mid 80's the Chicago Mob dominated the streests and back alleys and casinos of Las Vegas. This is the story of what happened and how that changed.
9. Las Vegas Babylon: The True Tales of Glitter, Glamour, and Greed
UNLV English instructor Jeff Burbank takes readers though a historical journey of Las Vegas where mobsters, movie stars and crooners intersect and where money is made and lives lost. A fascinating panorama of the historical Vegas.
10. Las Vegas Then and Now
The highly successful Tnen and Now series creates a great volume on Las Vegas
