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Las Vegas was founded in 1835 by 29 Spanish settlers, who applied for and received the Las Vegas land grant from the Mexican government. The settlers laid out their fledgling town in the traditional Spanish manner, with a large central plaza anchoring the surrounding community. In 1846 General Kearney announced to the residents of Las Vegas that they were no longer citizens of Mexico but under the "protection" of the Army of the United States of America.The town became a key stop on the Santa Fe Trail and later host to outlaws, Rough Riders, and silent screen stars. Among those notorious men and women were the likes of Billy the Kid, Vicente Silva and his gang, Belle Sidons (alias Monte Verde), Jesse James, Doc Holliday, and his girlfriend Big Nosed Kate. More Information |
