Bugsy Siegel: The False Prophet of the Las Vegas Strip

Introduction

Bugsy Siegel, often referred to as the 'father' of the Las Vegas Strip, was a prominent figure in the city's gambling and entertainment history. Despite popular belief, his contributions were somewhat misunderstood, and his legacy is more complex than it initially seems.

Who Was Bugsy Siegel?

Bugsy Siegel, whose real name was Benjamin Siegel, was an American mobster most known for his significant role in transforming Las Vegas into the modern-day gambling capital. Born on March 23, 1906, in Brooklyn, New York, Siegel’s life was shrouded in both glory and controversy. He was more widely known as a mobster rather than a gangster, though both terms are often used interchangeably. Siegel was deeply involved in organized crime and took on the challenge of making Las Vegas a bustling casino town.

The Flamingo Hotel and Its Significance

In 1946, Siegel built the Flamingo Hotel on a piece of desert land just south of Las Vegas in what is now Paradise, Nevada. This act is often erroneously attributed to creating the entire Las Vegas Strip. However, Siegel’s efforts were not the first to bring gambling to the area.

Historical Context of the Las Vegas Strip

Contrary to popular belief, the Flamingo wasn't the first casino on the so-called "Strip". In 1931, a little-known casino called the Pair O’Dice opened its doors, followed by a few other establishments. Siegel's Flamingo was arguably the best resort-style hotel-casino of its time, but it was not the genesis of the Strip phenomenon.

Building the Flamingo Hotel

With a vision to create a gambling and entertainment paradise, Siegel tapped into the growing demand for such facilities. The construction of the Flamingo was a massive undertaking, involving significant financial risk. Unlike earlier casinos, which were more rudimentary, the Flamingo offered luxurious accommodations, live entertainment, and refined service, setting a new standard for the industry.

The Flamingo’s Impact on Las Vegas

Despite the Flamingo being a hallmark of Siegel’s legacy, the Strip's development was a result of multiple factors and contributions from other individuals and establishments.

Other Early Casinos on the Strip

The Pair O’Dice, built in 1931, was the first known gambling establishment in the area. This was followed by the establishment of the El Cortez, which opened in 1941, a year before Siegel's Flamingo. Other notable early casinos included the Humbug Inn, opened in 1938, and the Pronto Hotel, which came on the scene in 1940. Siegel's success with the Flamingo was more of an aggregation of his skills and innovative ideas rather than the sole creator of the modern Strip.

Legacy of Bugsy Siegel

Bugsy Siegel's life was marked by both success and tragedy. He built a reputation as a visionary leader but also as a fallible figure. While Siegel's efforts were significant, attributing the entire development of the Strip to Siegel is a misrepresentation of history.

Financial and Personal Struggles

Financial and personal problems plagued Siegel's life, even as the Flamingo Hotel gained popularity. Siegel had to work to ensure the sustainable operation of the Flamingo, which further strained his already precarious financial position.

Death and Posthumous Recognition

Tragically, Siegel was assassinated in 1947, a victim of a local mob war. After his death, the Flamingo continued to thrive, honoring Siegel's vision and legacy. The hotel still stands today as a testament to Siegel's contributions to Las Vegas.

Conclusion

Bugsy Siegel's role in the development of Las Vegas cannot be denied, but attributing the creation of the Strip to him alone overlooks the contributions of many earlier establishments and individuals. His innovative ideas and the success of the Flamingo set the stage for Las Vegas to become the famous entertainment mecca it is today.

Key Takeaways

The Flamingo Hotel was built in 1946 by Bugsy Siegel, a prominent mobster from New York. The so-called "Las Vegas Strip" has roots that date back to the 1930s, with earlier establishments like the Pair O’Dice and the El Cortez. Bugsy Siegel is often credited with creating the modern Strip, but his role was more complex and layered than commonly believed.

Bugsy Siegel remains an intriguing and complex figure in the history of Las Vegas, symbolizing both the city's rise and its enduring legacy as a hub of entertainment and gambling.