Cultural Corridor Coalition in Las Vegas in Clark County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Helen Jane Wiser Stewart
Helen Jane Wiser Stewart
April 16, 1854 - March 16, 1926
"The First Lady of Las Vegas"
"It will only be for two years," Archibald promised his wife Helen in 1882, coaxing her away from civilized Pioche, Nevada to a ranch in middle of the desert. Two years later, Helen buried Archibald after he lost his life in a gun fight at the nearby Kiel Ranch. Helen stepped out of her traditional role as wife, mother, and homemaker, to take over the "Los Vegas Rancho." Helen never looked back. She expanded the ranch to nearly 2000 acres, and became one of the largest property owners in the Las Vegas Valley. Helen sold 1835 acres of her property to the San Pedro, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake Railroad in 1902 for $55,000. She kept some land for herself and donated 10 acres to the local paiute tribe. Helen was indeed a woman of "firsts" - first postmaster in the valley - first woman in Las Vegas to serve on a jury - first woman to serve on the Clark County School Board. As a founding member of the local Christ Episcopal Church and the Mesquite Club, and a Red Cross activist, Helen shaped early Las Vegas into a vibrant community. Local leaders shut down the city of Las Vegas during Helen's funeral in honor of her pioneering spirit.
Generous support for the statue in thanks to
Las Vegas Centennial Commission
Friends of the Fort
Southern Nevada Women's History Project
Nevada State Parks
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is April 16, 1854.
Location. 36° 10.834′ N, 115° 7.995′ W. Marker is in Las Vegas, Nevada, in Clark County. It is in Cultural Corridor Coalition. Marker can be reached from East Washington Avenue. The marker and statue are located in Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 500 E Washington Avenue, 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 marker. First Las Vegas Post Office (a few steps from this marker); Las Vegas Fort (a few steps from this marker); Old Mormon Fort (within shouting distance of this marker); The Las Vegas Mormon Fort (within shouting distance of this marker); Las Vegas Old Mormon Fort (within shouting distance of this marker); The Neon Boneyard Park Sign (approx. ¼ mile away); The Las Vegas Hard Rock Café Guitar Sign (approx. ¼ mile away); Silver Slipper Gambling Hall (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Las Vegas.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 19, 2024, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. This page has been viewed 45 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 19, 2024, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.