20 Rare Photos Reveal The Old Glamour Behind America’s ‘Sin City’

Miss Atomic Bomb, 1957

Vegas also drew people in with atomic bomb testing. They detonated their first atomic bomb in the desert outside of town, with a huge crowd watching in 1951. They went on to detonate over 100 bombs at the Nevada Test Site.

Fremont Street

Over the years, Fremont street became more brightly lit. Neon signs filled the sky, many of which had moving parts like the famous cowboy sign.

Las Vegas From Above, 1964

Las Vegas began to change. While Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas was the place to be, Las Vegas Boulevard, known as the Las Vegas Strip, became the new happening area to build huge casinos.