Mike Bates interviews Mark Hall-Patton, a historian and retired administrator of the Clark County Museum System, about the rich history of Las Vegas. They explore the early inhabitants of the region, the transition from Mexican territory to U.S. statehood, the development of the community around the railroad, and the evolution of gaming and casinos. The conversation also touches on the role of organized crime in shaping the city’s identity and its reputation as a major entertainment hub.