The Promotion of Las Vegas by Local Newspaper Editors (1905-1950)
Department
History and Political Science
Major
History
Research Advisor
Gragg, Larry Dale, 1950-
Advisor's Department
History and Political Science
Funding Source
Missouri S& T Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experiences (OURE) Program
Abstract
Everyone knows the extravagant Las Vegas of today, but who knows the city's development from its humble beginnings as a desert railroad town? This research explores how local newspaper editors used their papers to advance Las Vegas. Based on Las Vegas Age and Las Vegas Review-Journal articles, prominent editors acted as boosters for the city's development during the first half of the twentieth century by emphasizing its attractions, supporting the Chamber of Commerce, and advocating for town improvements. By the 1950s, the residents of Las Vegas had attempted to promote several ventures such as agriculture, mining, and natural desert wonders. However, Las Vegas was widely unknown throughout the country until the construction of Hoover Dam in the early 1930s. The newspaper editors used their media to promote Las Vegas construction and organizations, encourage resident participation, and downplay unfavorable news of the city.
Biography
Laura is a junior studying for her bachelor's degree in history. She works in the university's History and Political Science Department and the Missouri S& T Archives. She is a member of Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school to pursue a degree in public history or museum studies.
Research Category
Arts and Humanities
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Award
Arts and humanities poster session: First place
Location
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Presentation Date
03 Apr 2013, 9:00 am - 11:45 am
The Promotion of Las Vegas by Local Newspaper Editors (1905-1950)
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Everyone knows the extravagant Las Vegas of today, but who knows the city's development from its humble beginnings as a desert railroad town? This research explores how local newspaper editors used their papers to advance Las Vegas. Based on Las Vegas Age and Las Vegas Review-Journal articles, prominent editors acted as boosters for the city's development during the first half of the twentieth century by emphasizing its attractions, supporting the Chamber of Commerce, and advocating for town improvements. By the 1950s, the residents of Las Vegas had attempted to promote several ventures such as agriculture, mining, and natural desert wonders. However, Las Vegas was widely unknown throughout the country until the construction of Hoover Dam in the early 1930s. The newspaper editors used their media to promote Las Vegas construction and organizations, encourage resident participation, and downplay unfavorable news of the city.
