Uniquely Vegas is a new series of articles and photos that VegasChanges.com is composing to showcase the many unique and offbeat things to see and do in the Las Vegas Valley. Basically, these articles will appear when it is a slow news day.
Many visitors that come to Downtown Las Vegas know about the different museums that are all excellent at showing the history of Las Vegas and Nevada. These include the Mob Museum, Neon Museum, Natural History Museum and many more. I recommend all of them.
What many people may overlook are other pieces of casino history that are displayed for free in many downtown casinos, Fremont Street and surrounding areas.
The Plaza, El Cortez and Golden Gate all have glass displays with old casino chips, playing cards, dice, restaurant menus, matchbooks, ashtrays, promotional material and more from 1906 to the 1980’s.
The Golden Gate has the guest registry when it was Hotel Nevada (1907) and a telephone from 1907 (the phone number was “1”).
You can find these displays at the Plaza by Oscar’s Steakhouse, Golden Gate in the hotel lobby and at the El Cortez by the Players Club booth and walkway next to the main casino cage.
Most people visiting the Fremont Street Experience look up at the Viva Vision light show. If you look down, you will see many plaques and historic facts. The first movie theater, bank, hotel, casino and much more. The top photo is a plaque that says in 1938 saddled horses are no longer allowed in casinos (outside the El Cortez).
There is a rich history of Las Vegas on Fremont Street and surrounding areas. Enjoy, it is all free.
