1. In 1905, the city of Las Vegas was founded. Originally a railway stopover point between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City, the city quickly grew into a major gambling and entertainment destination.
2. In 1931, the Nevada State Legislature legalized gambling in an effort to generate revenue during the Great Depression. The move would ultimately pave the way for the development of Las Vegas into the world-renowned resort destination it is today.
3. In 1956, the Hoover Dam, located on the Colorado River between Nevada and Arizona, began operating at full capacity. The dam, which spans 1,244 feet across and stands 726 feet tall, generates enough electricity to power over a million homes.
4. On September 26, 1984, the infamous "Battle of the MGM Grand" took place in Las Vegas. Boxers Thomas Hearns and Roberto Durán faced off in a highly anticipated match, with Hearns ultimately emerging victorious.
5. In 2006, the Nevada State Museum in Las Vegas opened to the public. The museum, which is housed in the historic Springs Preserve, features exhibits on the state's natural and cultural history, including the mining and gaming industries that contributed to Nevada's growth and development.