Vegas's wildest stories often turn out to be true. Here are some of the most fascinating verified tales from Sin City's history.

Steve Wynn's Gangland Bluff

In 1971, 29-year-old Steve Wynn purchased a narrow strip of land next to Caesars Palace from Howard Hughes for $1.2 million. He orchestrated an elaborate bluff by announcing plans for "Gangland" - a mob-themed casino featuring vintage cars and machine gun-toting cartoon characters.

Caesars Palace CEO Bill Weinberger, concerned about the offensive concept being built next door, bought the land from Wynn for $2.25 million. Wynn used these profits to acquire controlling interest in the Golden Nugget, launching his Las Vegas empire.

FedEx's Blackjack Salvation

In 1974, FedEx was losing $1 million monthly and facing bankruptcy. Founder Fred Smith took the company's last $5,000 to Vegas and won $27,000 at blackjack. This covered a crucial $24,000 fuel bill, keeping operations running until he secured $11 million from investors.

Jackie Mason vs. Frank Sinatra

In 1966, comedian Jackie Mason made jokes about Sinatra's age difference with Mia Farrow. After warnings from Sinatra's associates, three shots were fired into Mason's hotel suite. Mason continued the jokes, quipping that he heard someone singing "Doobie, doobie, doo" after the shooting. Later, he was attacked in Miami, suffering a shattered nose and cheekbone.

The Hoover Dam's Tragic Coincidence

John Gregory Tierney drowned while surveying for the Hoover Dam in 1921. Fourteen years later, his son Patrick became the dam's final casualty, falling from the completed structure. Both father and son died on December 20, and their names are memorialized on a plaque near the dam.

Related Articles

Previous Articles