Las Vegas in 1947: More Tumbleweeds Than Tourists (But Still a Gambling Good Time!)
Las Vegas in 2023? We're talking glitz, glamour, and enough neon to make a disco ball weep with envy. But what about Vegas in, oh say, 1947? Buckle up, history buffs (and gambling aficionados) because we're taking a trip down memory lane that's more dusty road than red carpet.
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| What Did Las Vegas Look Like In 1947 |
The Strip? More Like a Dirt Path with Sequins!
Forget the sprawling resorts and five-star buffets. The Las Vegas Strip of 1947 was a two-lane highway with a sprinkling of casinos that wouldn't exactly rival the Bellagio. Think low-rise motels with neon signs that promised "Luxury" (by 1947 standards, that probably meant in-room plumbing) and a whole lot of "Wild West" charm. We're talking cacti aplenty and desperado vibes that would make Clint Eastwood blush.
El Cortez: The OG of Old Vegas
There were a few shining stars, though. The El Cortez, which still stands proudly today, was already a gambling hotspot in '47. Imagine Frank Sinatra himself rolling the dice under a much dimmer spotlight (seriously, the power grid back then wasn't exactly what it is today).
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Of course, with less competition, the odds were probably way better. Though, knowing your luck, you might have ended up winning a slightly used tumbleweed instead of a jackpot.
From Wartime Boom to Post-War Boom Town
World War II had actually given Vegas a bit of a boost. Thanks to the construction of the Hoover Dam and a nearby airfield, the population boomed. But by 1947, the soldiers had gone home, leaving a bit of a ghost town vibe. Luckily, the post-war travel boom was just around the corner, and Vegas was primed to become the shining oasis (with questionable plumbing) it is today.
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Las Vegas 1947: FAQ
Think a trip to Vegas in 1947 might be your time machine fantasy? Well, hold on to your fedoras! Here are some key things to know:
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How to get there? Cars were king, baby! Unless you were a high roller on a private plane (doubtful), you'd be hitting the dusty road.
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
How much did it cost? A lot less than today, for sure. But remember, fancier digs meant questionable plumbing and air conditioning was probably a swamp cooler and a whole lotta hope.
What to wear? Think classic Hollywood glam with a Western twist. For the fellas, a fedora and a suit would do the trick. The ladies? Think flowy dresses and heels you could probably walk a marathon in (those sidewalks were rough!).
QuickTip: Pause when something feels important.
What kind of gambling was there? Slots, blackjack, roulette - the classics! Just don't expect the high-tech bells and whistles of today. Think more along the lines of a lever and a whole lotta hope.
Was it safe? Well, it was the Wild West, so maybe pack some pepper spray (just kidding... kind of). But seriously, while there was definitely a bit of a rough-and-tumble vibe, Vegas was already on its way to becoming a safe haven for tourists (with questionable plumbing, but hey, progress takes time!).
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