1954 Map of Las Vegas

About this map

The Las Vegas Valley is defined by rapid mid-century development and extensive military presence in this detailed regional study. While Las Vegas and North Las Vegas expand toward the Spring Mountains, the surrounding desert landscape is dominated by federal activity, including the sprawling Nellis Air Force Range and the Nevada Test Site (AEC). The map records a moment when recreational and industrial landmarks like the Stardust International Raceway and McCarran International Airport began to anchor the city’s southern edge near Henderson. To the east, the Virgin River feeds into the massive Lake Mead complex, where the Lake Mead National Recreation Area meets the dramatic topography of Mormon Mesa and the Muddy Mountains. This survey documents the critical water and transport networks, from the Union Pacific rail lines to the desert springs like Corn Creek Springs, that sustained the region's growth.