america250-springs-preserve-.jpg
The Springs Preserve remains a cornerstone of the Las Vegas community through educational and cultural community events. Las Vegas News Bureau Archivist Kelli Luchs with her daughter Kerith at her pop-up historical exhibit at the Springs Preserve.
Courtesy of Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Archive

Springs Preserve “Birthplace of Las Vegas”
333 S. Valley View Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89107

“Founded” in 1829

The natural springs in this area have provided a crucial water source for the Southern Paiute (Nuwuvi) people since time immemorial. For centuries, the Springs Preserve has sustained life in a harsh desert environment. Called the “birthplace of Las Vegas,” the springs created a rare oasis in the Mojave Desert.

Early Spanish explorers described it as a lush, meadow-like area, which led them to name the city " Las Vegas," meaning "the meadows." This reliable water source ultimately made it possible for non-Native people to establish what would become the ever-growing city of Las Vegas.

Today, the Springs Preserve remains an influential hub for education, community events, and appreciation of nature in Southern Nevada. The “birthplace of Las Vegas” continues to sustain the community with its 180 acres featuring botanical gardens, museums, family events, traveling exhibits, trails and more.

Learn More:

• https://www.lvpaiute.gov/
• https://www.springspreserve.org/about/mission-history.html?lang=en

america250-springs-preserve.jpg
Courtesy of Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Archive

For questions or comments, please reach out to the Clark County Museum at ccmuseum@clarkcountynv.gov.