Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park
🏆 Official Guide: Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park — The birthplace of Las Vegas — preserving the oldest standing structure in the Las Vegas Valley, an 1855 adobe fort built by Mormon missionaries on the Old Spanish Trail in downtown Nevada.
Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park is the most unlikely state park in America — a small, walled historic site sitting in the shadow of downtown Las Vegas skyscrapers on Las Vegas Boulevard. It preserves the remnants of a 150-foot-square adobe fort constructed in 1855 by 30 Mormon missionaries led by William Bringhurst, making it the oldest European-built structure in the Las Vegas Valley.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 500 E. Washington Ave, Las Vegas, NV |
| Hours | Tuesday–Saturday, 8 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Admission | $1 for ages 13+; free for children 12 & under |
| Built | 1855 |
| Managed By | Nevada State Parks |
History Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1855 | 30 Mormon missionaries build adobe fort as Old Spanish Trail way station |
| 1857 | Mormon settlement abandoned due to conflicts and lead mine disputes |
| 1860s–1900s | Site becomes Los Vegas Rancho — ranch, store for travelers |
| 1930s | Used for concrete testing during Hoover Dam construction |
| 1955 | Original eastern wall and SE bastion preserved |
| 1991 | Designated as Nevada State Historic Park |
What to See
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Original Adobe Wall | Preserved sections of the 1855 eastern wall & SE bastion |
| Reconstructed Fort | Partial reconstruction showing original layout |
| Visitor Center/Museum | Artifacts, photos, timeline exhibits |
| Historic Gardens | Period-appropriate plantings — creek fed by natural springs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mormon Fort the oldest building in Las Vegas?
Yes. The remaining portions of the 1855 adobe fort — specifically the original eastern wall and southeast bastion — are the oldest surviving European-built structure in the Las Vegas Valley. The fort predates the founding of the city of Las Vegas by over 50 years.
Why did the Mormons build a fort in Las Vegas?
In 1855, Brigham Young sent 30 missionaries to establish a way station along the Old Spanish Trail between Salt Lake City and Los Angeles. The site was chosen because of its natural spring-fed creek — a critical water source in the desert. The settlement also aimed to mine lead in the area and convert local Native Americans.
How much does it cost to visit?
Admission is just $1 for visitors 13 and older. Children 12 and under enter free. The park is open Tuesday through Saturday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM. It’s located at 500 E. Washington Avenue — about 2 miles north of the Las Vegas Strip.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for 30–45 minutes. The site is compact but rich in history. The visitor center museum has excellent exhibits, and the reconstructed fort and original adobe walls are worth exploring. It pairs well with a visit to the nearby Neon Museum or Mob Museum.
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