It Happened in Las Vegas: Remarkable Events that Shaped History (It Happened In Series)

A fascinating collection of thirty compelling stories about events that shaped Sin City, It Happened in Las Vegas describes everything from a nineteenth-century land deal that almost created two competing cities to the torrential rainstorm that flooded downtown Vegas with three inches of water. Read more Continue reading Read less FROM THE BACK COVER
Best known today for its gaming and entertainment, Las Vegas was, ironically, founded in part by a fervently religious community. It Happened in Las Vegas tells the stories of intriguing people and events from the history of the Sin City - from the Mormons' arrival in 1855 in over 100-degree temperatures to a British battleship blowing up the Dunes Hotel and Casino in 2003.

Learn how Sam Gay, bouncer at the infamous Block 16, once marched sixteen men out of town. Read how Jackie Gleason and Jimmy Durante entertained crowds at one of Las Vegas's first casinos, the El Rancho. Reflect upon the testing of America's first nuclear weapon at the Nevada Test Site. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Paul W. Papa developed a fascination with the town, and all its wonders, while working for more than 15 years at several Las Vegas casinos. In his role as a security officer, Paul was the person who actually shut and locked the doors of the Sands Hotel and Casino for the final time. He eventually became a hotel investigator for a major strip casino, during which time he developed a love for writing true stories about uncommon events. Paul is the author of several books, including Discovering Vintage Las Vegas (Globe Pequot Press) , It Happened in Wyoming (Globe Pequot Press) , Haunted Las Vegas (Globe Pequot Press) , and Best Bike Rides Las Vegas (Falcon Guides) . When not at his keyboard, Paul can be found on the trails of Bootleg Canyon riding his mountain bike, hiking around Red Rock Canyon, or on the waters of the Colorado in his kayak. Read more Continue reading Read less