LOST VEGAS: The Historic Lucky Strike Prospector Statues Face Uncertain Future
Two iconic 12-foot prospector statues, originally installed atop the Lucky Strike Club casino in 1954 at 117 Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas, have survived multiple casino closures, weather damage, and relocations over seven decades.
Designed by renowned wax artist Katherine Stubergh ("America's Madame Tussaud") and manufactured by YESCO in Salt Lake City, these fiberglass statues featured mechanized gold pans that would jiggle with illuminated "gold" at night.
Lucky Strike neon sign, 1955
Lucky Strike bingo club signs
Their journey includes several relocations:
- 1954-1963: Lucky Strike Club casino rooftop
- 1964-1968: Fort Lucinda Casino photo attractions
- 1968-1998: Gold Strike Hotel and Casino marquee
- 1998-present: Gold Strike casino in Jean, Nevada
Bronze miner statue at Fort Lucinda
Currently, the statues stand at the abandoned Gold Strike property in Jean, showing significant wear from vandalism, sun damage, and vehicle impact. The property was sold in 2022 to Tolles Development for $44.7M, with plans to construct a 2.84 million square-foot industrial center.
Woman poses before Gold Strike statue
With the impending development and no preservation plans announced by Tolles Development, the future of these historic Las Vegas landmarks remains uncertain.
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