The 1970s were a decade of bold energy, cultural shifts, and civic upheaval in Las Vegas. Amid polyester fashion, mini-skirts, and a city growing out of its own limits, Vegas began to reflect the national tides of civil rights, women's liberation, economic uncertainty, and cultural reinvention—all while continuing to dazzle the world with its glitz and showmanship.
Adrenaline and Ambition: Sports, Spectacle & Downtown Dreams
Las Vegas found new ways to thrill in the early '70s. The Mint 400, born from a dune buggy sales pitch, exploded into a gritty off-road race that lured adventurers—and journalist Hunter S. Thompson, whose wild coverage became the iconic Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. At the same time, poker took the spotlight with the launch of the World Series of Poker at Binion’s Horseshoe, igniting a new era of competitive card playing.
Protest, Power & Progress
Behind the neon lights, marginalized communities demanded justice. Ruby Duncan led welfare protests at Caesars Palace and the Sands, bringing national attention to the struggles of working-class Black families. Her activism birthed Operation Life, a nonprofit that improved thousands of lives on the Westside.
Race, Schools, and Housing Reform
Integration in Las Vegas was rocky and unequal. Court-ordered desegregation brought about the Sixth Grade Center Plan, busing students across town and sparking controversy. New fair housing laws aimed to break redlining, but discrimination persisted in many forms—from employment to education.
From the Strip to the Streets: Law, Labor & Legends
The city’s police departments merged under the “cowboy sheriff” Ralph Lamb, eventually moving into the new City Hall. Officers even took part in a Clint Eastwood movie. Meanwhile, the Culinary Union became one of the most powerful forces in Las Vegas—organizing workers, leading strikes, and, at times, resorting to violent tactics under the leadership of Al Bramlet, whose eventual murder shocked the community.
Casino Culture, Mob Influence & Media Mayhem
Steve Wynn began transforming Fremont Street with the Golden Nugget, drawing upscale clientele. At the same time, the Mob was under intense federal scrutiny for skimming profits, with dramatic raids and high-profile disappearances exposing the dark underbelly of the casino boom.
Legacy of the ‘70s
By the end of the decade, Las Vegas stood at a turning point. Old powers like Sheriff Lamb and union boss Bramlet faded from the stage. Corporations began to edge out mob influence. The city was no longer just a neon playground—it was becoming a full-fledged metropolitan force.
The 1970s laid the groundwork for the Las Vegas we know today—resilient, restless, and always ready for reinvention.
Watch the Full Series
Funded by the Commission for the Las Vegas Centennial, the first documentary episode, “The City of Las Vegas: The Early Years,” was released May 15, 2019, and focused on the founding and first 20 years of the community. All episodes were produced by Boyd Productions LLC and were released near May 15 each year—the anniversary of the city’s founding.
Catch the full documentary series on YouTube.
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The City of Las Vegas: The Early Years
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The City of Las Vegas: The Twenties
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The City of Las Vegas: The Thirties
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The City of Las Vegas: The Forties
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Las Vegas 1950s: What Was Las Vegas Like In The 1950s?
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The City of Las Vegas: The Sixties
Stay tuned for the next chapter in the evolving story of Las Vegas focusing on the 1980s.