Howard Hughes, The World’s Richest Man who conquered Las Vegas and then left
Howard Hughes’ visit to Las Vegas only lasted a mere 4 years. Nonetheless, he left a great mark on the town’s history by buying almost every single Casino Motel in the 1960, thereby freeing Las Vegas from its mob grip.
The Life and Career of Howard Hughes
Howard Hughes was an American business magnate, investor, aviator, engineer, and film director. He was born on December 24, 1905, in Humble, Texas, and died on April 5, 1976, in Houston, Texas. Hughes made significant contributions in various fields, leaving a lasting impact on American business, aviation, and the film industry.
In the early years of his career, Hughes inherited his family’s successful tool company and expanded it into a global conglomerate known as the Hughes Tool Company. He used the wealth from his business ventures to pursue his passion for aviation.
Hughes set several aviation records, including a transcontinental flight across the United States in 1938 and a round-the-world flight in 1938-1939. He also designed and produced innovative aircraft, most notably the Hughes H-1 Racer and the Spruce Goose (H-4 Hercules), a massive wooden aircraft with the largest wingspan ever flown.
In the film industry, Hughes gained recognition as a producer and director. He founded the Hughes Aircraft Company and later acquired RKO Pictures, a major Hollywood studio. While his involvement in filmmaking was relatively short-lived, Hughes produced and directed notable films such as “The Outlaw” (1943) and “Hell’s Angels” (1930), which showcased his technical innovations in aerial cinematography.
In his later years, Hughes became a recluse, living in seclusion and struggling with health issues. He gained further notoriety for his eccentric behavior and obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Hughes’ life and mysterious persona continue to be a subject of fascination in popular culture.
Overall, Howard Hughes made significant contributions to various industries, including aviation, business, and filmmaking. His entrepreneurial spirit, technological advancements, and achievements in aviation left a lasting impact, while his foray into Hollywood added to his legacy.
The Impact of Howard Huges on Las Vegas
Howard Hughes played a significant role in the development of Las Vegas during the 1960s and 1970s. In 1966, he arrived in Las Vegas and began acquiring various properties, including casinos and hotels.
One of Hughes’ notable acquisitions was the Desert Inn, a hotel and casino located on the Las Vegas Strip. He purchased the hotel in 1967 and later acquired several other properties, such as the Sands Hotel and the Frontier Hotel. Hughes also invested in land and real estate in the Las Vegas area.
During his ownership of the Desert Inn, Hughes made some unusual decisions that reflected his reclusive and idiosyncratic nature. He famously occupied the top two floors of the hotel, turning them into his private living quarters. He also made changes to the hotel’s operations, implementing strict hygiene measures and firing employees who did not adhere to his specific guidelines.
Hughes’ involvement in Las Vegas extended beyond the hotel industry. He was instrumental in pushing for the development of McCarran International Airport, which played a crucial role in the growth of tourism and transportation in Las Vegas.
Despite his significant investments and influence in Las Vegas, Hughes’ time as a casino owner was relatively brief. By the early 1970s, he began to withdraw from public life and sold off most of his Las Vegas properties. The Desert Inn was sold in 1988 and eventually demolished to make way for the Wynn Las Vegas resort.
Although Hughes’ direct involvement in Las Vegas was relatively short-lived, his impact on the city was significant. His ownership of prominent hotels and casinos, as well as his advocacy for infrastructure development, helped shape the growth and transformation of Las Vegas into the iconic entertainment destination it is today.
