In 2006, Las Vegas celebrated it's 100th anniversary.
But despite the fact that there have been casinos continuously
since the 1930's, there seems to be no real sense of
historic preservation in Vegas.
This is most evident on 'The Strip', where iconic casinos such as
The Sands, Dunes, and Desert Inn have been demolished
in order to make room for newer, more profitable venues.
Even legendary casinos like The Flamingo, Tropicana, and Riviera
bear no resemblance to the original facades built in the 40's and 50's.
And Downtown Las Vegas has also changed dramatically.
But if you want to get a sense of the old-time Las Vegas ambience,
Downtown is still the place to go.
Following are original, gallery quality photographs on or near Fremont Street
in Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada,by artist/photographer Bill Buth.
(Note: individual photos of most of the Downtown casinos are
listed in the index. These are miscellaneous photos of the Downtown area.)
...click on thumbnails for a larger view.
Note: Photo quality on your screen will be
much diminished from the actual photos.
See ALL of our photos!
This photo was taken on First and Fremont Streets, looking west,
next to Mermaids Casino. If you're craving
deep-fried Oreos, I've heard Mermaids is the place to go.
'Vegas Vicky' is visible just beyond Mermaids.
On Second Street, looking south from Ogden Street,
the 'roof' of the Fremont Street Experience
is in the middle of the photo.
If you want to get a sense of what Downtown Las Vegas was like,
especially during the 1960's, before the 'Fremont Street Experience'
was installed, and auto traffic was still allowed downtown,
catch a TV show called 'Crime Story', during it's second season.
The show is based in Las Vegas, and takes advantage of both indoor and outdoor locations
around the city, but mostly Downtown. It's also just a great fun detective show.
If you can't find it on cable, you can get it here at Amazon:
Well this photo isn't exactly Downtown,
but it's the 'Welcome to Downtown' sign
on Las Vegas Boulevard, where it splits off with
Main Street. Either way will get you downtown if
you're going north.
Old 'Hacienda' Sign
now restored and moved Downtown.
The Hotel Nevada, just south of Fremont
on Main Street, now closed.
'Vegas Vic',
Downtown Las Vegas.
The California Hotel & Casino,
On Main Street, one block north of Fremont,
Downtown Las Vegas.
The now-defunct Pioneer Casino,
Downtown Las Vegas.
The building now houses a souvenir shop.
Another of the restored neon signs on display.
Taken from the roof of the Plaza Hotel Parking Lot on Main Street,
looking towards Fremont Street. The Golden Nugget Hotel Tower is on
the right, and on the left, past the Fremont Street Experience
'roof', is Binion's. (Note the big 'B' on the roof.)
Another view from the roof of Plaza Parking, looking south
down Main Street. The Stratosphere Tower is in the distance.
Still another shot from the Plaze parking garage roof, looking south.
Looking east from Neonopolis, at Las Vegas Blvd.
**All of these photos are for sale and licensing.**
Call or email us for sizes, format, and pricing.
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Here's a couple more really good books with
vintage photos of Las Vegas: