A Frontier Town Grows Up
233 Vivid Photos Illumine the Remarkable Story of Las Vegas
By Dr. Terra Liddil
It’s amazing what photos bring to a story. Don’t we love to flip through a book to the photo pages before starting to read? But when the photos are abundant on every page, the flipping turns into a perusal of the entire book. Such is the case with this newest book edited and compiled by Edwina Portelle Romero: Las Vegas, New Mexico 1835-1935.
The beautiful volume is full of magnificent old photos of our beloved city, many of which you've probably never seen. Once you get this priceless photo album in your hands, you won’t want to put it down. Familiar landmarks come to life with people in their everyday activities. Each photo is a story in itself. You might find yourself looking twice to recognize the location of some photos--you know you’ve seen that building somewhere... but where?
The few photos of Las Vegas in her infancy reveal the challenging life of the first settlers as they scratched out their existence from the hard soil. These brief glimpses into their simple life capture our attention. We are touched by the determination and enduring spirit of these humble and hard-working people.
A steady stream of wagons rolling straight through Las Vegas along the Santa Fe Trail brings growth and commerce to the town. As a new merchant class emerges, photos show shops full of merchandise, men lingering on boardwalks, and new buildings around the Plaza and down Bridge Street. The Exchange Hotel and rowdy Buffalo Hotel Saloon advertise plenty of parking for 100 wagons out back.
Years later, the Santa Fe Railroad chugs along the eastern edge of the city, ushering in another wave of progress. This colorful era also draws a criminal element, bringing theft, violence... and hangings. The hanging windmill on the plaza is juxtaposed with portraits of families in fashionable clothing, firemen in uniforms, and folks lounging in lavish furnishings.
Abundant photos of new buildings and Victorian life show a city continuing to grow and expand. Harvey Houses, Opera Houses, theaters, clubs, music, and sports create a vibrant pulse.
Roosevelt’s visit to New Mexico in 1899 brings national fame to Las Vegas! See photos of the celebration at the newly finished Castaneda Hotel.
Images of the movie industry, automobiles and gas stations, the politics of statehood, a growing university, and WWII military service illustrate the early 20th century.
What incredible changes for this little frontier town at the foot of the Sangre de Christos.
The photo captions and comprehensive narrative threaded through the book are rich with intriguing stories and details to capture your interest and imagination
A timeline running across the bottom of the pages helps keep it all in order.
Each time you open this extraordinary book you discover something new as you browse the pages. A new chapter, a new photo, a new detail you hadn’t noticed before.
Not many things in life are guaranteed, but this book is guaranteed to bring you lasting pleasure and joy as you turn each page, captivated by the beautiful photos detailing the unique and fascinating story of this city.
Keep this beautiful album handy to sharewith friends and guests. You’ll be surprised at how they love the old
pictures. You might even need an extra copy—people have a hard time letting it go once they’ve seen it!
For your family members at home, or afar, you won’t find a more enjoyable Christmas gift than this lovely album. Gift mailing boxes are available at the museum.
Praise for Las Vegas 1835-1935:
“...This sumptuous book is a must for anyone who loves this colorful old crossroads spread out on the banks of the Gallinas.” -- Hampton Sides, bestselling author of Blood and Thunder
“... The terrific time line of significant events from 1835 to 1935 runs throughout the pages.”
Available through the City of Las Vegas Museum for $39.95.