John C. Fremont camped at the Las Vegas Springs on May 3, 1844

On This Date, May 3, 1844 John C. Fremont led an overland expedition west and camped at Las Vegas Springs. His name is remembered today in neon as well as museums and history books. The Fremont Hotel-Casino in Downtown Las Vegas bears his name as does Fremont Street.

The credit of discovering Las Vegas  goes to an experienced young scout, Rafael Rivera. In 1829 was traveling with a 60 man party who veered off the main route of the Old Spanish Trail. A scouting party rode west in search of water.  Rivera separated from the scout party and ventured into the unexplored desert. Within two weeks, he discovered Las Vegas Springs. The actually date of Rivera’s discover is unknown.

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