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The fertile lowlands.
<<Prehistoric Southern Nevada was a virtual marsh of abundant water and vegetation. As eons passed, the marsh receded. Rivers disappeared beneath the surface. The once teeming wetlands evolved into a parched, arid landscape that supported only the hardiest of plants and animals. Water trapped underground in the complicated geologic formations of the Las Vegas Valley sporadically surfaced to nourish luxuriant plants, creating an oasis in the desert as the life- giving water flowed to the Colorado River.
Hidden for centuries from all but native Americans, the Las Vegas Valley oasis was protected from discovery by the surrounding harsh and unforgiving Mojave Desert.
Mexican trader Antonio Armijo, leading a 60-man party along the Spanish Trail to Los Angeles in 1829, veered from the accepted route. While Armijo's caravan was camped Christmas Day about 100 miles northeast of present day Las Vegas, a scouting party rode west in search of water. An experienced young Mexican scout, Rafael Rivera, left the main party and ventured into the unexplored desert. Within two weeks, he discovered Las Vegas Springs.
Rafael Rivera became the first known non-Indian to set foot in the oasis-like Las Vegas Valley. The abundant artesian spring water discovered at Las Vegas shortened the Spanish Trail to Los Angeles, eased rigors for Spanish traders and hastened the rush west for California gold.>>
meg_geek
The name Las Vegas is Spanish for "The Meadows". Funny, because, it's situated in Mojave Desert.
santosh_musicman
You are right..!
Las Vegas from the Spanish word for the meadows, for the United States usages and from vega meadow < Iberian vaica or baika meadow < Iberian ibai river in other places.
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Penales means Penalties In Southamerica Penales, In Spain, Penaltys.
Anonymous
"Las Vegas" translates to "The Fertile Plains."