Reflections on Las Vegas: If the Founders Could See It Today
Imagine if Brigham Young or Peter Buol, the historical figures who contributed to the growth of Las Vegas, could see how the city has transformed today. How would these leaders react to the modern Las Vegas, a city known for its magic-like technology, rapid growth, and diverse population?
Brigham Young: Priding and Disappointment
Brigham Young, a prominent Mormon leader, founded Salt Lake City and had high moral standards. If he could witness Las Vegas today, he might be both proud and disappointed.
Proud: The city has grown exponentially since its humble beginnings, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Las Vegas has evolved into a melting pot of cultures and a bustling metropolis teeming with activities day and night.
Disappointed: Young might be concerned about the lack of morality and the mixing of religious and non-religious populations. He also would likely be baffled by the absence of polygamy, a practice he had supported in his earlier days.
Peter Buol: A Relentless Promoter and Proud City Builder
Contrary to popular belief, Peter Buol was the actual founder of Las Vegas. He served as the city's first mayor in 1911 and made significant contributions to its growth, promoting it both during his term and later in his role in state government.
According to Preston Nibley's book Brigham Young: The Man and His Work, Peter Buol said:
“The worst fear that I have about [members of this Church] is that they will get rich in this country forget God and his people, wax fat and kick themselves out of the Church and go to hell. This people will stand mobbing, robbing, poverty, and all manner of persecution and be true. But my greater fear for them is that they cannot stand wealth and yet they have to be tried with riches.”
Buol's words reveal his foresight and deep concern for the future of the Church and his community.
A City Born from Necessity
Las Vegas has a rich history rooted in its early days as a water stop on the railroad and a supply center for nearby mines and ranches. Its transformation from a mere cattle stop to a bustling metropolis is a testament to vision, resilience, and the entrepreneurial spirit of its founders.
Las Vegas Today: Beautiful, Diverse, and Dangerous
Today, Las Vegas stands as a beacon of beauty and diversity, offering endless entertainment and activities around the clock. It is a city that never sleeps, but it is also a place that harbors danger.
With gangs, drug dealers, and organized crime rife with big money, Las Vegas is a city with no rules. This unique combination of beauty, diversity, and risk makes Las Vegas a place of both love and hate, much like Miami.