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.
Block 16. . 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.
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.
Location. 36° 10.345′ N, 115° 8.655′ W. Marker is in Las Vegas, Nevada, in Clark County. It is in Downtown Las Vegas. Marker 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.
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
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, September 26, 2011
7. Rear of Block 16 Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2011, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,358 times since then and 238 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.