Spotlight Summary

About This Experience

Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park preserves the remains of an adobe fortification built by Mormon missionaries in 1855, the first permanent non-native settlement in the Las Vegas Valley. The 22,000 square foot fort originally served as a way station for travelers and was sustained by the area's only free-flowing spring, which irrigated fields and orchards. Visitors can explore the historic fort structure, view artifacts, and learn about early Las Vegas history through exhibits in the on-site Visitor Center. The park is ideal for history enthusiasts and families interested in Nevada's pioneer heritage.

Did You Know

Interesting Facts

• •The fort was built around a spring-fed creek that was the only free-flowing water for miles, making the location a critical oasis in the Mojave Desert and the origin of Las Vegas's name ('las vegas' means 'the meadows' in Spanish).
• •The adobe fort is 22,000 square feet and was established in 1855 by Mormon missionaries as a way station for travelers on the Old Spanish Trail to California.
• •Children 12 and under receive free museum admission, making it an affordable family outing.
• •The park's location in what is now Downtown Las Vegas represents a significant shift in settlement patterns since the fort's founding over 150 years ago.

Insider Tip

Hidden Gems

• •The park offers group presentations upon request—call ahead to arrange a special guided talk tailored to your group's interests for a more immersive experience.
• •Picnic tables throughout the park allow visitors to enjoy lunch in a historic setting with authentic desert atmosphere, combining outdoor recreation with education.

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