The man who changed Vegas: The story of Howard Hughes

Las Vegas is known for being the gambling capital of the world with all its casinos. It is one of America’s premier party and leisure destinations, as well as an in-demand venue for conventions. It’s hard to think that mobsters once ran the city. But diving into the history of Las Vegas, there was one man who changed everything, says resident Stacey L. Tokunaga. His name was Howard Hughes.

Prior to dedicating his life to Las Vegas, Howard Hughes was known for a few things. He was an aviator who tested rescue planes, as well as a film director and producer. He also inherited his family’s successful oil tool company. However, in his later years, Hughes would become a germaphobe and a recluse.

On Thanksgiving in 1966, Hughes checked in at the Desert Inn’s penthouse suite. He stayed until the hotel owner asked him to clear the suite to make way for high rollers who were coming to Las Vegas on New Year’s Eve. Having fallen in love with the place and with the city, Hughes bought the hotel for $13.3 million. And he didn’t stop there, explains Stacey L. Tokunaga.

Hughes went on a buying spree. He accumulated a total of six resorts, a TV station, thousands of mining claims, an airport, and vast desert lands that were converted to housing later. He spent an estimated $300 million during this time. This power move slowly ate away at the mob’s hold over most of the city’s establishments. With less power and ongoing police investigations, Stacey L. Tokunaga notes that the Las Vegas mafia lost control.