Downtown Las Vegas in Clark County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Block 16

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, September 26, 2011

1. Block 16 Marker

Inscription. The notorious Block 16, North First Street between Ogden and Stewart Avenues, was the only area in the Las Vegas Townsite, outside of hotels, where liquor could be sold, starting in 1905. The block quickly changed from its original liquor and gambling activities to feature prostitution. The swankiest of the clubs was The Arizona Club, the "queen" of Block 16. World War II brought an Army Gunnery School, later Nellis Air Force Base, to Las Vegas. Bowing to the Army's demands, the City ordered prostitution on Block 16 to end in 1942.

Erected 2005 by The Commission for the Las Vegas Centennial.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • War, World II • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.

Location. 36° 10.345′ N, 115° 8.655′ W. Marker is in Las Vegas, Nevada, in Clark County. It is in Downtown Las Vegas. It is at the intersection of East Ogden Avenue and North 1st Street, on the right when traveling west on East Ogden Avenue. Marker is on the northeast corner. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Las Vegas NV 89101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Nevada’s Mojave Desert.

It is also in the American Southwest

and in the Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Gaming / Helldorado (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fremont Street (about

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

500 feet away); Las Vegas' Most Historic Hotel & Casino (about 600 feet away); The First Telephone (about 700 feet away); Nevada Motel (about 700 feet away); The Flame Restaurant (about 800 feet away); United States Post Office and Courthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); Neon / Atomic Testing (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Las Vegas.

Other markers no longer nearby. Auction Site / First Train Depot (was about 700 feet away but has been confirmed missing); Historic Light Standard (was about 700 feet away but has been confirmed missing); Auction Site (was about 700 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, September 26, 2011

2. Block 16 Marker

Photo on Block 16 Marker image. Click for full size.

3. Photo on Block 16 Marker

Photo Caption: Interior of the Arizona Club

circa 1908

4. Photo on Block 16 Marker

Photo Caption: Arizona Club after remodel, c. 1908

circa 1905

5. Photo on Block 16 Marker

Photo Caption: Block 16, 1905

circa 1907

6. Photo on Block 16 Marker

Written on photo: Block 16 – Freight loaded for Delivery to Rhylote – 1907 – Las Vegas
Photo Caption: Freight wagon along Block 16

<i>Rear of</i> Block 16 Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, September 26, 2011

7. Rear of Block 16 Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2011, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 6,640 times since then and 674 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 4, 2011, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.