Las Vegas Casinos Unveiled: Busted Myths and the Origin Story of El Rancho Vegas

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The El Rancho, established by the visionary Thomas Everett Hull, holds the distinguished title of Las Vegas’ first true Strip casino hotel. Opened in 1941, its history is as captivating as the dazzling lights that now illuminate the Las Vegas Strip. However, the origins of this iconic landmark are far less glamorous than some of the legendary tales surrounding early Las Vegas ventures.

One sweltering day in 1938 or 1939, while traveling along what is now known as the Las Vegas Strip, Thomas Everett Hull experienced a car trouble – a flat tire or breakdown, depending on the version. Inspired by the steady stream of vehicles passing by, Hull conceived a bold idea: to establish a third El Rancho right there, with a visible pool, to entice weary travelers to stop and stay. This innovative concept predates the widespread use of air conditioning in automobiles by a decade.

Interestingly, a similar story of car trouble is often linked to Bugsy Siegel’s decision to establish the Flamingo, though historical accounts suggest the Flamingo was primarily the brainchild of Hollywood Reporter publisher Billy Wilkerson. However, the narrative of Hull’s inspiration highlights a crucial aspect of Las Vegas’ early development.

According to UNLV historian David Schwartz’s insightful book, “Something for Your Money: A History of Las Vegas Casinos,” the initial concept for the El Rancho Vegas didn’t originate with Hull himself. It was his astute friend and financier, San Diego businessman Jack Barkley, who championed the idea and convinced Hull to pursue it.

Hull then embarked on a search for the ideal location, collaborating with “Big” Jim Cashman, a prominent figure in the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce – the namesake of Cashman Field. While Cashman suggested a different site, Hull’s vision was to have the El Rancho Vegas prominently positioned as a welcoming sight for those entering the city from the highway, like a mirage on the horizon.

A strategically chosen 33-acre plot on the southwest corner of Arrowhead Highway and San Francisco Avenue proved to be the perfect location. The land was owned by Mrs. Jessie Hunt, who unknowingly became part of a significant transaction in Las Vegas history. The purchase price was a mere $4,950 ($112,000 today), a testament to the undeveloped nature of the area at the time.

Initially, Hull’s plans didn’t include a casino. As recounted in an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, it was “several of his friends he had made here in Las Vegas” who suggested adding one – a decision that proved pivotal to the El Rancho’s success. The casino boasted 70 slot machines, two blackjack tables, one roulette wheel, and a craps table, making it the largest casino on the Strip at the time.

Beyond gaming, the El Rancho Vegas was a pioneering establishment. Its 63-cottage hotel featured a renowned swimming pool and a 300-seat showroom, hosting a variety of prominent performers. Hull leveraged his Hollywood connections to attract stars like Jimmy Durante, Guy Lombardo, Jackie Gleason, Sophie Tucker, and Peggy Lee. The shows were immensely popular, sometimes drawing even A-list celebrities who couldn’t secure tickets.

A notable moment in the El Rancho’s history occurred in 1946 with the opening of the Chuck Wagon, later rebranded as the Buckaroo Buffet. This marked the introduction of the buffet concept to Las Vegas, a dining staple that continues to thrive today. The resort also featured a fancy dining room and offered live entertainment for extended periods, with bandleader Garwood Van and his orchestra being the inaugural headliners.

In 1948, Hull leased the El Rancho to a group of investors, and upon the death of Jake Katleman in 1950, his nephew Beldon Katelman took over the lease and exercised his option to purchase the property a decade later. However, the resort’s vibrant era was tragically cut short by a devastating fire on June 17, 1960. The blaze quickly engulfed the casino, showroom, and restaurants, though fortunately, there were no fatalities. Movie star Betty Grable, who was performing in a revue that night, narrowly escaped.

Singer Pearl Bailey also experienced a close call, backing her car into a tree while attempting to flee the thick smoke after an interview.

Thomas Hull passed away four years later. Despite initial plans by Beldon Katelman to rebuild the El Rancho on a grander scale, these plans never materialized. The abandoned cottages remained in the fenced-off lot for years, serving various temporary purposes until their eventual demolition or relocation in the 1970s.

Today, no other casino resort stands on the site of the El Rancho Vegas. Instead, it functions as the Las Vegas Festival Grounds, owned by billionaire casino magnate Phil Ruffin. The legacy of the El Rancho Vegas remains a significant chapter in the history of Las Vegas, marking the beginning of the city’s transformation into the entertainment mecca it is today.

Conclusion

The story of the El Rancho Vegas, while perhaps less sensational than some other early Las Vegas tales, is fundamentally important. It established the concept of the casino resort on the Las Vegas Strip, pioneered innovations like the buffet, and attracted major entertainment stars. The vision of Thomas Everett Hull, spurred by a simple act of car trouble, laid the groundwork for the booming tourism industry that defines Las Vegas. Though the original structure is long gone, its legacy continues to shape the city’s identity.