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| Learn about
life at the Las Vegas Springs dating back thousands of years ago.
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The Springs Preserve
Las Vegas would not exist without water. How
else can you sustain life in the desert? If you glance at the sunbaked Las
Vegas Valley, you might find it difficult to imagine that a natural oasis
once existed here, sustaining people for thousands of years.
More than 10,000 years ago, the underground springs erupted through the
desert floor, creating a lush oasis of grassy meadows. Native Americans
lived near the springs up to 5,000 years ago.
Surprised Spanish travelers "discovered" the
springs and named the area "the meadows."
Explorer John C. Fremont
rested at the springs in 1844. He noted Las Vegas on his frontier maps.
The Old Spanish Trail led traders, explorers and immigrants through the
desert valley. They refreshed themselves at the springs, which gushed
with such force, it was impossible to sink.
Revitalizing the springs
The springs stopped flowing to the surface in 1962, but the Las Vegas Valley
Water District continues to operate wells near these original springs located at Valley
View Boulevard and U.S. 95. After much anticipation, the site where the springs were once located opened to the public in 2007 as
the Springs Preserve. The attraction provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about sustaining life in the
desert through conservation gardens, exhibits and museums. Visit springspreserve.org
for more information about this project.
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