The Las Vegas Springs or Big Springs is the site of a natural oasis , known traditionally as a cienega . For more than 15,000 years, springs broke through the desert floor, creating grassy meadows (called las vegas by Spanish New-Mexican explorers). The bubbling springs were a source of water for Native Americans living here at least 5,000 years ago. Known as The Birthplace of Las Vegas it sustained travelers of the Old Spanish Trail and Mormons who came to settle the West. The springs' source is the Las Vegas aquifer.
7-552: The springs are now a part of the Las Vegas Springs Preserve . Las Vegas Springs was once the site of three springs, running into two large pools of water. It is a site historically known for a gathering of pioneers and Native Americans and early settlers in the Las Vegas Valley. In 1905, it provided the water source to the budding town and railroad. Once pipe lines were laid and wells were drilled,
14-681: A series of walking trails that meander through a wetland habitat . The Gardens at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve , previously known as the Desert Demonstration Gardens opened in 1980 at another location. The gardens now occupy 8 acres (3.2 ha) within the Springs Preserve site. While construction on the preserve began in 2005, the custom designed sound wall separating the site from U.S. Route 95 had been erected earlier. There also
21-570: Is owned and operated by the Las Vegas Valley Water District . The Preserve is located approximately three miles west of downtown Las Vegas , Nevada . The Preserve is built around the original water source for Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Springs . The Springs Preserve includes colorful desert botanical gardens , museum galleries, outdoor concert and event venues, an indoor theater, historic photo gallery and
28-593: The early depletion of the aquifer. This forced the Las Vegas Land and Water Company to drill 'Well No. 1' in 1923 to supply the demands for water. The springs and associated infrastructure have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978 and are marked as Nevada Historical Marker 40 . Las Vegas Springs Preserve Las Vegas Springs Preserve consists of 180 acres (73 ha) dedicated to nature walks and displays and
35-540: The expedition of Antonio Armijo who pioneered the Old Spanish Trail between New Mexico and California. Later, American traveler John C. Fremont and Kit Carson camped at the springs in 1844. The springs stopped flowing to the surface in 1962 as the water table dropped as more water was pumped out to meet the demands of a growing population than was being replaced by rainfall and snow melt. Uncontrolled use of private wells and wasted water contributed to
42-473: The water table dropped, and the springs stopped flowing to the surface in 1962. The site is currently undergoing rehabilitation to protect what remains architecturally and archaeologically. Now, it is 180 acres of historic land located just west of Downtown Las Vegas. It is open to the public. The first non- Native American crossing Las Vegas Springs was Raphael Rivera in 1829. He was the Mexican scout for
49-481: Was work over the years to maintain and restore the springs, the waterworks and infrastructure of the springs. The Preserve opened on June 8, 2007. The Preserve shows people how to live in the desert environment and how to take advantage of what is available. Part of this project showcases a dual use concept. For example, the parking area is actually the roof of the reservoir and the shade structures in various areas are photovoltaic cells used to generate power for
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