Tucson and Las Vegas: A Tale of Two Cities (Cancelled)

Monday | ​April 29th | 10am – 11am | Education Center Classroom 1

The Old Pueblo and Sin City have many interesting similarities in their history but obviously became distinctly different cities in the 20th century. Tucson and Las Vegas were on early maps because of available surface water and the surrounding oases that made them ideal stopping places for weary explorers and travelers: prehistoric and native peoples, Mormon settlers, a developing railroad town, and the promotion of a mild winter climate and tourism in the 20th century. The history of Las Vegas is explored in detail from the arrival of the railroad, to land auctions and Hoover Dam, to the Mob, and “Sin City.” Probably no city in the United States has reinvented itself as has Las Vegas. Local historian Ken Scoville takes a look at what these two towns have in common and what sets them apart; what turned the lights on and made Las Vegas the “City of the Night” while Tucson remained the “Old Pueblo,” with 360 days of sunshine a year.

$10 members and $15 general public