Downtown Las Vegas in Clark County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Auction Site / First Train Depot
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, September 26, 2011
1. Auction Site Marker
Side A:
Auction Site
At this site on May 15th 1905, the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad auctioned off lots for the creation of the new city of Las Vegas. With 110 degree temperatures scorching the crowds, about three thousand people gathered to bid on the prime lots, many of which sold for up to $1,750 each.
Instantaneously, a tent city sprang to life, and soon permanent buildings marked the emergence of the new city. Las Vegas began its life as a railroad town.
Side B:
First Train Depot
Las Vegas was born a railroad town. The first train depot was built here by the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad in 1905. Senator William A. Clark of Montana, and his brother J. Ross Clark, were the co-founders of this railroad. The brothers eventually sold their interest to the Union Pacific in 1921. The early Mission style depot was replaced in 1940 by a streamline Moderne structure. The depot was demolished in 1970 to make way for the Union Plaza Hotel, which was built in 1971. Passenger train service continued for many years with the depot located inside the hotel. At the head of Fremont Street, the depot building symbolized the railroad's economic, political and social dominance over the town.
Erected
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1865.
Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 36° 10.316′ N, 115° 8.783′ W. Marker was in Las Vegas, Nevada, in Clark County. It was in Downtown Las Vegas. Marker was at the intersection of North Main Street and Fremont Street, on the right when traveling south on North Main Street. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Las Vegas NV 89101, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. The First Telephone (within shouting distance of this marker); Gaming / Helldorado (within shouting distance of this marker); Las Vegas' Most Historic Hotel & Casino (within shouting distance of this marker); Block 16 (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fremont Street (about 700 feet away); The Flame Restaurant (approx. ¼ mile away); Nevada Motel (approx. ¼ mile away); Neon / Atomic Testing (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Las Vegas.
Additional commentary.
1. Marker is missing
Based on Google street views from April 2019, this historical was removed in the
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, September 26, 2011
2. First Train Depot Marker
— Submitted February 27, 2020, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon.
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, September 26, 2011
3. Auction Site Marker
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, September 26, 2011
4. Auction Site Marker
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, September 26, 2011
5. First Train Depot Marker
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, September 26, 2011
6. First Train Depot Marker
7. Photo on Auction Site Marker
Photo Caption:
This advertisement appeared in Los Angeles newspapers.
This advertisement appeared in Los Angeles newspapers.
8. Photo on Auction Site Marker
Written on photo:
North Main and Ogden Streets. Auction of Las Vegas Townsite Lots. May 15, 1905.
Photo Caption:
Auctioneers and railroad officials at the May 15th land auction.
North Main and Ogden Streets. Auction of Las Vegas Townsite Lots. May 15, 1905.
Photo Caption:
Auctioneers and railroad officials at the May 15th land auction.
9. Photo on Auction Site Marker
Photo Caption:
One of the early tents in Las Vegas.
One of the early tents in Las Vegas.
10. Photo on Auction Site Marker
Photo Caption:
Original 1905 Las Vegas map.
Original 1905 Las Vegas map.
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, September 26, 2011
11. Photo on First Train Depot Marker
Photo Caption:
The 1940 Streamline Moderne depot and city park at the head of Fremont Street.
The 1940 Streamline Moderne depot and city park at the head of Fremont Street.
12. Photo on First Train Depot Marker
Photo Caption:
The Mission-style depot dominates the skyline of the new city.
The Mission-style depot dominates the skyline of the new city.
13. Photo on First Train Depot Marker
Photo Caption:
The depot that was built in 1940.
The depot that was built in 1940.
14. Photo on First Train Depot Marker
Photo Caption:
This temporary depot (1905) was used until the Mission-style depot was finished later that year.
This temporary depot (1905) was used until the Mission-style depot was finished later that year.
15. Photo on First Train Depot Marker
Written on photo:
UP Depot 1940's
Photo Caption:
Track and passenger side of depot.
UP Depot 1940's
Photo Caption:
Track and passenger side of depot.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 30, 2011, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,102 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. submitted on September 30, 2011, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
