Las Vegas Boulevard - History

History

Las Vegas Boulevard in the city of Las Vegas has had several names, including 5th Street, the Arrowhead Highway, Los Angeles Highway, Salt Lake Highway, U.S. Route 91 (entire segment), U.S. Route 93 (from Fremont Street north), U.S. Route 466 (from Jean to Fremont Street, including the Las Vegas Strip) and State Route 6 (entire segment, not signed).

South of the city, Las Vegas Boulevard was commonly known as the Los Angeles Highway. Just north of Jean, Nevada Historical Marker 195 marks the place where the last spike on the San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad line was driven.

With the construction of I-15, Las Vegas Boulevard went from being the main through road to one that only served as a city street for locals and tourists. The name change reflects its local importance rather than past names when it served as a main intra city road.

On October 16, 2009, the Federal Highway Administration announced the designation of a new National Scenic Byway on the boulevard. The 3.5-mile (5.6 km) section starting at Sahara Avenue and running north to Washington Avenue was designated the City of Las Vegas, Las Vegas Boulevard State Scenic Byway.