![Vegas 1972 [public domain]](http://inlinethumb11.webshots.com/49098/2298630620105497322S600x600Q85.jpg)
Came across this awesome picture taken in Downtown Las Vegas in the early 1970s, as part of the Documerica Project. Charles O’Rear – retired longtime National Geographic photographer – took it during his travels around the American Southwest. In 1972, the Vegas Strip was new and the downtown core of original casinos still ruled the roost. After a long decline, the older part of Vegas began seeing a resurgence in activity that now gives visitors a taste of what the town was like in the days of the Rat Pack.
Below is a picture of the same corner – courtesy Google camera car – circa 2009. The 4 Queens Casino is still across the street. The overhead covering in the picture is part of Vegas’ famous Fremont Street Light Show.
The Golden Nugget Casino – On Wiki
Charles O’Rear’s view of The American Southwest – On Flickr
Bio for Charles O’Rear – On Wine Views
August 10, 2012
BelRedRoad
3 responses to “The Golden Nugget [1972]”
jesusknowsmyname
August 10th, 2012 at 08:55
Guess I’ll go dig out my old Las Vegas pics when my ex and I honeymooned there in 1975. I remember the Golden Nuggett. I also remember the heat there during the month of August–like a blow dryer set on “High”. My first impression of Vegas was that you could see every sort of person there; rich and flying high to down and out.
BelRedRoad
August 10th, 2012 at 09:52
Nice! Would totally love seeing those. Seriously. Send me an email at “blog AT kurtclark DOT us” if you want to feature them here at Wall Of Retro
jesusknowsmyname
March 22nd, 2013 at 14:56
hey Kurt, just now seeing this message. I’ll see if I still have the photos, if I find them, I’ll scan and e-mail.