Laughlin - History of Laughlin Nevada

Laughlin Nevada

The History of Laughlin Nevada

The town of Laughlin Nevada is a popular tourist destination due to its many gambling resorts as well as proximity to the Colorado River, Lake Mohave, and the scenic Grand Canyon. People from all over the world visit Laughlin each year to bask in the warm, dry, summer air of the desert. The mild winters attract many visitors from the colder climates of the country, some of which have winter homes, while others travel in their RV's, and have been nicknamed “snow birds” by the locals.

Located at the southern tip of Nevada, the town of Laughlin was first called South Pointe and consisted of a small motel and bar which mostly served the workers of Davis Dam. Just across the river, Bullhead City, Kingman, and Needles were growing due to Route 66 and major train stations in the area.

By coincidence, in 1964 Don Laughlin had just sold his casino in Las Vegas and was out in his private plane flying over the area. From the air Don could see the potential in the area and purchased the eight room dilapidated motel on 6.5 acres for $250,000.00. He moved his family into 4 of the 8 rooms and rented the other four. Within a couple of years he had installed 12 slot machines and 2 gaming tables. But the informally named town of South Pointe needed an official name for the Post office. Don suggested Casino and Riverside but the post office named it Laughlin, probably because Don was one of its few permanent residents.

Don Laughlin was not the only one who saw the opportunity. By 1967 the Bobcat Club (now the Golden Nugget) opened its doors, and in 1968 the Monte Carlo became the third casino on the river. In 1972 Don added 48 rooms to the Riverside Resort. This established Laughlin as a gambling resort town and the neighboring town of Bullhead City, just across the river in Arizona, started to gain momentum. Shuttle boats provided easy access to the casinos from Bullhead City.

The early 80’s brought a second boom to the Laughlin, Bullhead City area and the Regency, the Colorado Club (now the Pioneer) and Sam’s Town Gold River (now the River Palms) built new casinos. The boom continued into the late 80’s with the addition of the Colorado Belle in 1987. In 1988 the Ramada Express (now the Tropicana Express) and Harrah’s opened its doors, with the Flamingo Hilton following suit in 1990 (now the Aquarius).

With the large boom in tourism and the surrounding growing communities there became a need for a easier way to get to the casinos from the Arizona side of the river. Don Laughlin funded a bridge to be built in 1987 and donated it to the state. There are approximately 2,000 vehicles a day crossing this bridge as well as all major truck traffic headed east and west due to the restrictions placed on the Hoover Dam crossing in 2001. The expansion of a dirt airstrip into the Bullhead Laughlin International airport saw the first jet land in 1993.

Today Laughlin attracts almost 3 million visitors a year and boasts over 10,000 rooms and 60 restaurants. There is a bowling alley, outlet mall, 2 multiplex theaters and plenty of boutiques, salons and spas. Laughlin now hosts many special events including The Laughlin Motorcycle Rally (River Run) which attracts over 50,000 motorcycle enthusiasts a year, and top name entertainment at many of the resorts. Known by many as the “poor man’s Vegas”, many visitors believe Laughlin to be like Vegas was 20 years ago. With its relaxed atmosphere and home town charm, Laughlin will continue to attract visitors for years to come.

If you plan to visit Laughlin NV please visit our Laughlin Hotel travel guide which includes reviews and ratings from our staff, local and residence and visitors of all of the Laughlin Hotels and Casinos.

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