Frémont, whose writings helped lure pioneers to the area. The year 1844 marked the arrival of John C. Trader Antonio Armijo led a 60-man party along the Spanish Trail to Los Angeles, California in 1829. Anasazi and Paiute tribes followed at least 2,000 years ago.Ī young Mexican scout named Rafael Rivera is credited as the first non- Native American to encounter the valley, in 1829. Nomadic Paleo-Indians traveled to Las Vegas 10,000 years ago, leaving behind petroglyphs. Southern Paiutes at Moapa wearing traditional Paiute basket hats with Paiute cradleboard and rabbit robe In the case of Las Vegas, this especially applies to the areas on and near the Las Vegas Strip, which are actually located within the unincorporated communities of Paradise and Winchester. Īs with most major metropolitan areas, the name of the primary city ('Las Vegas' in this case) is often used to describe areas beyond official city limits. Rapid growth has continued into the 21st century, and according to the United States Census Bureau, the city had 641,903 residents in 2020, with a metropolitan population of 2,227,053.

Population growth has accelerated since the 1960s, and between 19 the population nearly doubled, increasing by 85.2%. At the close of the 20th century, it was the most populated North American city founded within that century (a similar distinction was earned by Chicago in the 19th century). Las Vegas was settled in 1905 and officially incorporated in 1911. The city's tolerance for numerous forms of adult entertainment earned it the title of ' Sin City', and has made Las Vegas a popular setting for literature, films, television programs, and music videos. Today, Las Vegas annually ranks as one of the world's most visited tourist destinations.

It is a top three destination in the United States for business conventions and a global leader in the hospitality industry, claiming more AAA Five Diamond hotels than any other city in the world. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous for its mega casino-hotels and associated activities. The Las Vegas Valley as a whole serves as the leading financial, commercial, and cultural center for Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city, known primarily for its gambling, shopping, fine dining, entertainment, and nightlife. The city anchors the Las Vegas Valley metropolitan area and is the largest city within the greater Mojave Desert.

Las Vegas ( / l ɒ s ˈ v eɪ ɡ ə s/ Spanish for 'The Meadows'), often known simply as Vegas, is the 26th-most populous city in the United States, the most populous city in the state of Nevada, and the county seat of Clark County.

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