The Early History of Las Vegas: New Mexico versus Nevada

The term 'Las Vegas' has become synonymous with the iconic city built around the Las Vegas Strip. However, there are two different cities named 'Las Vegas'—one in New Mexico and the other in Nevada. The question often arises as to which Las Vegas came first, and the answer depends on the historical context and geographical location. Let’s delve into the fascinating history of these two cities.

Las Vegas New Mexico

Las Vegas, New Mexico, was established first in 1835. This town, located in the heart of the American Southwest, has a rich and complex history. The name 'Las Vegas' means 'The Meadows' in Spanish, a term that refers to the lush, grassy plains that were once abundant in the area. The city was founded by a Mexican land grant, and it quickly became a significant settlement, particularly in the 19th century.

Las Vegas Nevada

Nevada’s Las Vegas came into existence much later, in 1905. The city was originally settled by European descendants, specifically Mormon settlers, in 1855. However, the formal incorporation of Las Vegas as a city did not occur until 1911. The city’s nickname, 'The City of Dreams,' was coined due to its rapid growth and the iconic Las Vegas Strip, but this development only took place many decades after the establishment of the original Las Vegas in New Mexico.

Historical Context and Confusion

While the names 'Las Vegas' are similar and often cause confusion, the two cities have distinct histories and significance. The New Mexico Las Vegas was a major settlement even before Nevada became a state. In the early 1800s, it was likely the largest town in the American Southwest, with its rich cultural and historical heritage.

Origins of Name and Early Settlers

Both cities share the name 'Las Vegas' because of the rich meadows and plains that once characterized the area. The name ‘Las Vegas’ has a long history, dating back to the Spanish colonization of the region in the 16th century. The first permanent settlement in New Mexico's Las Vegas was established in 1835, almost a century before the establishment of Las Vegas in Nevada.

During the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, Spanish control over the region was severely disrupted, but it was re-established by 1692. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 ceded much of the land to the United States, including the area that would later become Nevada. The territorial boundaries were further defined as the US moved to organize the region, leading to the eventual statehood of Nevada in 1909, and the formal incorporation of Las Vegas in 1911.

The Significance of Las Vegas New Mexico

While ‘Las Vegas’ in Nevada is now synonymous with glitz, glamour, and entertainment, the original Las Vegas in New Mexico remains a significant historical and cultural landmark. Its establishment in 1835 marks it as the first 'Las Vegas' in the United States, predating the Las Vegas in Nevada by over 70 years. This early settlement has played a crucial role in the region’s history, with its name surviving long after the original town was forgotten or renamed.

Conclusion

The historical distinction between Las Vegas, New Mexico, and Las Vegas, Nevada, underscores the complexity and richness of the American Southwest’s past. While Las Vegas, Nevada, is widely recognized, the original Las Vegas in New Mexico holds a unique and important place in history and should not be overlooked. Understanding the full story of these two places sheds light on the diverse and intertwined histories that have shaped the region.

For those interested in delving further into the rich history of the American Southwest, exploring both the early settlement of Las Vegas, New Mexico, and the growth of Las Vegas, Nevada, opens a window into a fascinating period of American history.