What does the name Vegas mean?
What does the name Vegas mean? A scout by the name of Rafael Rivera was the first European to discover this desert oasis. He named the valley Las Vegas, which translates roughly into The Meadows, to acknowledge the wild grasses which grew in the nutrient rich desert soil with ample supply of water.
What is the oldest casino in Las Vegas?
Golden Gate Hotel & Casino: Firsts As the city's original casino, Golden Gate Hotel & Casino brought about many Las Vegas “firsts”, including: 1905: Land for Golden Gate (previously Hotel Nevada) is purchased, making it the first casino in Las Vegas. 1907: Las Vegas' first telephone is installed at Golden Gate.