You can thank the nearby Hoover Dam for that. The construction project not only caused the population of Vegas to quadruple virtually overnight, but when it was completed the dam provided both an abundance of fresh water and cheap electricity to the area. But thanks to the ongoing drought in the area that might not be a viable source for either of those eventually.
I remember years ago seeing some data discussing people moving west and south more, partly in conjunction with the invention of air conditioning, as well as certain roads.
The boom caused by the construction of Hoover Dam occurred in the 1930’s. Residential air conditioning didn’t really become a thing until well after WWII, closer to 1950.
Yes, that’s pretty much the point I was making. It was another major factor in Las Vegas being almost completely undeveloped in 1947 as per the photo. Same with the current major cities in Arizona, etc.
You can thank the nearby Hoover Dam for that. The construction project not only caused the population of Vegas to quadruple virtually overnight, but when it was completed the dam provided both an abundance of fresh water and cheap electricity to the area. But thanks to the ongoing drought in the area that might not be a viable source for either of those eventually.
Air conditioning becoming more widely available was probably another major factor.
I remember years ago seeing some data discussing people moving west and south more, partly in conjunction with the invention of air conditioning, as well as certain roads.
I think this was one of the maps showing this.
Interesting, thanks!
The boom caused by the construction of Hoover Dam occurred in the 1930’s. Residential air conditioning didn’t really become a thing until well after WWII, closer to 1950.
Yes, that’s pretty much the point I was making. It was another major factor in Las Vegas being almost completely undeveloped in 1947 as per the photo. Same with the current major cities in Arizona, etc.
Don’t understand. This 1947 pic doesn’t look booming to me.