Panoramic Perspective of the Area Adjacent to Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Recreational Area [with Las Vegas ephemera]

Hit the Vegas Strip in the late 1950s with this fun group of ephemera.

This is a lovely example of the bird’s eye view of Nevada, Arizona, and Utah drawn by the talented Gerald Eddy and issued by the Union Pacific Railroad in 1958. Several editions published between 1934 and the 1960s showcase surging development, infrastructure updates, and new transportation routes across the region.

The image presented is one that focuses heavily on the appeal of the area’s natural beauty; boldly showcasing several National Parks, the Grand Canyon, and the rugged topography around Lake Mead. Kaibab National Forest is shown in a verdant green and Lake Mead in bright blue, both contrasting sharply with the dull browns of the desert. Locations of interest are labeled throughout, including within a sprawling Las Vegas that shows precipitous growth from earlier versions.

Also of interest is the vast Atomic Energy Commission Testing Grounds. Controlled nuclear explosions were a popular tourist attraction. Between 1951 and 1963, there were 235 bombs detonated – an average of one bomb every three weeks for twelve years!

When acquired, the map was accompanied by several pieces of ephemera. These include a brochure on Nevada gambling, a menu for Silver Jubilee, a brochure and receipt for The Dunes, and more.

Source: Atomic Tourism in Nevada (PBS)