why was las vegas built

Las Vegas was originally built as a stopover along the Old Spanish Trail due to its natural springs providing essential water in an otherwise arid environment. It was officially founded as a city in 1905 when the railroad linking Los Angeles and Salt Lake City established a stop there, exploiting this water source and the strategic location as a transportation hub. The city grew rapidly after the 1931 construction of the Hoover Dam, which brought a huge influx of workers and enabled the building of casinos and hotels powered by the dam's electricity. Gambling was legalized in 1931, further fueling Las Vegas's growth into a prominent gambling and entertainment destination.