Las Vegas Springs and the city's origin

The Las Vegas Springs, located on the site now preserved as Springs Preserve, were the valley's primary natural water source and drew travelers, settlers, and Mormons in the 19th century. The presence of the springs is the reason the area was named 'Las Vegas' (Spanish for 'the meadows'). Springs Preserve includes restored spring features, historic ranch and homestead exhibits, and interpretive displays about how the springs influenced the city's founding and early growth. The springs' flow declined in the 20th century due to groundwater pumping, a history documented at the Preserve.