Old Mormon Fort
Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park, Las Vegas, NV hotels, motels and other travel lodging options are listed below in order of their distance from Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park. Click on any Nevada hotel or accommodation from the list below to view information, details, the current rates or to make reservations online. The lists to the right show other nearby points of interest, nearby cities and nearby outdoor activities and trails for you to explore in the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park and Las Vegas areas.The company paraded at the dawn of day and fired a salute very spiritedly; also at sun-up and again when the liberty pole was erected and the flag floated majestically to the breeze, another salute was fired the company having previously assembled, kneeling down and offering up their devotions to God. Afterwards there were many spirited speeches, songs, and toasts from many of the brethren. Then all were dismissed by prayer and went to perform our several camps duties.ยน
The first settlers, Mormon missionaries, arrived on June 14, 1855 and selected a site, along one of the creeks that flowed from the Las Vegas springs, on which they would build the fort. The fort served as the mid point on the trail from Salt Lake City, Utah and Los Angeles, California. The fort was surrounded by 14 foot high adobe walls that extended for 150 feet. While called a fort, it never really was home to any military troops. Around 1860, a small detachment of U.S. Army troops were assigned to protect the settlers at the fort. They stayed for about 5 years.
There are also going to be some activities for kids, like tasting authentic Civil War food and creating valentines for their families. As always, Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort is available for tours and taking a look around during the event, so you can learn a little about the history of Las Vegas while you take time out from the bright lights.
Mormon Settlement Lasted Two Years
In June 1855, William Bringhurst led a group of 30 Mormon settlers from Utah began to the valley by a spring-fed creek where is now Las Vegas. The creek was the only free-flowing water and meadows in the area. Bringhurst’s group began construction on what is today the oldest standing building in Nevada, the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort. The site was abandoned after two years.
In 1865 Octavious D. Gass, acquired the Mormon fort site in 1865. He bought out other landholders to create a ranch, and later built a store and blacksmith shop to service travelers. Archibald and Helen Stewart acquired the ranch after Gass. Mrs. Stewart lived there until she sold it to the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Slat Lake Railroad.
Park Origin and History:
One hundred and fifty years ago, a spring-fed creek flowed through this valley, creating an oasis in the desert. With only free-flowing water and grass for miles around, it attracted the native Paiute people as well as traders, emigrants and gold seekers traveling the Old Spanish Trail to California. The Spaniards called the place Las Vegas B The Meadows.
The Old Mormon Fort shows how the town of Las Vegas came into existence through faith, hope, determination and the ability to overcome adversity.
It’s hard to imagine now, but Las Vegas, Spanish for The Meadows, once was an oasis in the desert, with free-flowing water and an abundance of lush grass as far as the eye could see. It became a popular resting point for the native Paiute, traders, miners and others passing through the region.
Park Hours. The park will be open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Sunday. The park is located at 500 E Washington Avenue in Las Vegas, Nevada.
