BLOCK 16
Block 16 was part of the original grid laid out when Las Vegas was founded in 1905. It was set aside as a commercial zone for saloons, making it a hub for early settlers and railroad workers. It was situated near Fremont Street, within walking distance of the train depot, making it a convenient entertainment area for locals and travelers.
By the 1910s, Block 16 became notorious as Las Vegas’ unofficial red-light district. While technically illegal, prostitution was tolerated by authorities in this area, as it was seen as a way to contain vice within a controlled space. Several well-known madams operated establishments on Block 16, making it a center for vice that coexisted with the burgeoning city.

True to its original designation, Block 16 housed saloons that catered to thirsty railroad workers, miners, and settlers. During Prohibition (1920–1933), it became a hotspot for bootlegging and illegal liquor sales, further solidifying its reputation for bending (or breaking) the rules. While officially outlawed in the early years, gambling often occurred in the back rooms of saloons and other establishments.
In the 1940s, civic leaders and law enforcement began to crack down on Block 16 as Las Vegas sought to clean up its image, especially with the rise of glamorous casinos on the Strip. By the 1950s, Block 16 was no longer the vice hub it once was. The city had shifted its focus to legalized gambling and tourism, leaving behind its rough-and-tumble roots.
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