1950-1999 Did You Know Henderson

Incorporation as a City (1953): Henderson was officially incorporated as a city on April 16, 1953, marking its transition from an industrial town to a self-governed city.

First Shopping Mall (1960s): In the 1960s, Henderson opened its first shopping mall, bringing a new era of retail and social gathering places to the city.

Green Valley Development (1978):  In 1978, the development of Green Valley, the first master-planned community in Henderson, began, setting a precedent for future community planning in the city.

Lake Mead Parkway (Late 1980s): The construction of Lake Mead Parkway in the late 1980s greatly improved access to Lake Mead, boosting Henderson’s recreational and tourism opportunities.

Henderson Pavilion (1999): In 1999, the Henderson Pavilion, the largest outdoor amphitheater in Nevada, was opened, enhancing the city’s cultural and entertainment offerings.

Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden (1981): Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden, one of the world’s largest collections of its kind, was established in Henderson in 1981.

Bird Viewing Preserve (Late 1990s):  In the late 1990s, Henderson established a Bird Viewing Preserve, attracting birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts from across the region.

Population Boom (1990s): Did During the 1990s, Henderson was among the fastest-growing cities in the United States, with its population nearly tripling during the decade.

Sunset Station Hotel and Casino (1997): Sunset Station Hotel and Casino, one of Henderson’s largest hotel-casinos, opened in 1997, significantly contributing to the city’s economy and entertainment scene.

Henderson’s First Library (1954): Henderson’s first standalone public library opened in 1954, reflecting the city’s growing emphasis on community services and education.

Galleria at Sunset Opening (1996): Galleria at Sunset, a significant shopping center in Henderson, opened its doors, becoming a major retail hub in the city.

Henderson’s First Hospital (1956):  Rose de Lima Hospital, Henderson’s first hospital, opened in 1956, significantly improving healthcare access for residents.

Expansion of Nevada State College (1999):  In 1999, Nevada State College chose Henderson as its home, marking a significant development in higher education for the city.

McCarran International Airport Proximity (1950s): The growth of McCarran International Airport in the 1950s positively impacted Henderson’s development, making the city more accessible to tourists and business travelers.

Creation of Lake Las Vegas (1991):  The man-made Lake Las Vegas was created in 1991, becoming a luxurious residential and recreational area near Henderson.

Black Mountain Recreation Center (1994):  Black Mountain Recreation Center opened in 1994, providing Henderson residents with a wide range of recreational activities and facilities.

First Henderson Heritage Parade (Mid-1950s): Henderson’s first Heritage Parade took place in the mid-1950s, starting a tradition celebrating the city’s history and community spirit.

Acacia Demonstration Gardens (Late 1990s):  In the late 1990s, Henderson established the Acacia Demonstration Gardens, showcasing water-smart landscaping and sustainable gardening practices.

Whitney Mesa Nature Preserve (1990s): Whitney Mesa Nature Preserve was established in the 1990s, offering Henderson residents a natural retreat with trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Henderson International School (1992): In 1992, Henderson International School opened, providing a global education perspective to local students.

Historic Water Street District Revitalization (1980s):  Henderson began revitalizing its historic Water Street District, transforming it into a vibrant center for businesses and cultural activities.

Touro University Nevada (Late 1990s): Touro University Nevada selected Henderson as the location for its medical and health sciences campus, furthering the city’s educational landscape.

Henderson Space and Science Center Plans (1990s): In the 1990s, plans were made for the Henderson Space and Science Center, aiming to bring a state-of-the-art educational facility to the city.

Fiesta Henderson Casino Hotel (1998):  Fiesta Henderson Casino Hotel was opened, adding to the city’s growing list of entertainment and hospitality venues.

Silver Springs Recreation Center (1996):  Silver Springs Recreation Center opened, offering Henderson residents additional options for fitness, sports, and community events.

Henderson’s Population Milestone (1980): In 1980, Henderson’s population surpassed 30,000, a significant milestone reflecting the city’s rapid growth and development.

Valley Automall Opening (1995): Valley Automall was opened, becoming one of the largest auto malls in the United States and a major economic driver for Henderson.

Henderson Public Libraries Expansion (1990s): During the 1990s, Henderson experienced a significant expansion of its public library system, emphasizing the city’s commitment to education and community resources.

Henderson Symphony Orchestra Formation (1987): Henderson Symphony Orchestra was formed, enriching the city’s cultural life with classical music performances.

River Mountains Loop Trail (1990s):  In the 1990s, the River Mountains Loop Trail was developed, providing a scenic outdoor trail for biking and hiking around Henderson.

Henderson’s First Mayor, Jim Gibson (1953): Jim Gibson, the first mayor of Henderson after its incorporation, played a significant role in guiding the city’s early growth and development.

Stephanie Street Power Plant (1957): Stephanie Street Power Plant began operations, significantly improving the power infrastructure in Henderson.

Henderson’s First High School (1956): Henderson’s first high school, Basic High School, opened in 1956, marking a milestone in the city’s educational development.

Morrell Park Establishment (1971):  Morrell Park, one of Henderson’s most beloved public parks, was established in 1971, offering recreational facilities and green space for residents.

Henderson Home News Expansion (1950s):  In the 1950s, the Henderson Home News greatly expanded its circulation and coverage, becoming a key source of local news and information.

Skyline Casino Opening (1952):  Skyline Casino, one of Henderson’s earliest casinos, opened in 1952, setting the stage for the city’s future in gaming and entertainment.

Historic Eldorado Casino (1962): Historic Eldorado Casino opened in Henderson, becoming a landmark in the city’s downtown area.

Arroyo Grande Sports Complex (1990s):  In the 1990s, the Arroyo Grande Sports Complex was established, significantly enhancing Henderson’s sports and recreational facilities.

Henderson’s First Public Pool (1956): Henderson opened its first public swimming pool, providing a new recreational facility for the community.

Union Pacific Railroad Depot (1950s): In the 1950s, the Union Pacific Railroad Depot played a significant role in Henderson’s development, facilitating transport and trade.

Lake Mead Cruises Start (1990s):  In the 1990s, Lake Mead Cruises began offering boat tours, becoming a popular tourist attraction near Henderson.

Green Valley High School Opening (1991):  Green Valley High School, a major educational institution in Henderson, opened its doors in 1991.

Henderson’s First Community Center (1978):  Henderson opened its first community center, providing a space for social, educational, and recreational activities.

Anthem Community Development (Late 1990s):   The master-planned community of Anthem began development in the late 1990s, significantly expanding Henderson’s residential landscape.

Henderson’s Silver Springs Recreation Center (1998):  Silver Springs Recreation Center opened, offering state-of-the-art facilities for sports, fitness, and community gatherings.

Heritage Park Aquatic Complex (1990s): Henderson’s Heritage Park Aquatic Complex, a premier aquatic facility, was opened in the 1990s, featuring indoor pools and water features.

Expansion of St. Rose Dominican Hospital (1990s): St. Rose Dominican Hospital underwent significant expansion, enhancing medical services available to Henderson residents.

Henderson’s First Senior Facility (1980s):  In the 1980s, Henderson opened its first facility dedicated to seniors, providing a hub for activities, health services, and community engagement.

Wildhorse Golf Club (1959): Wildhorse Golf Club, one of Henderson’s earliest golf courses, opened in 1959, adding to the city’s recreational amenities.

Pittman Town Annexation (1950s): In the 1950s, Henderson annexed the nearby town of Pittman, expanding its city boundaries and population.

Henderson’s First Movie Theater (1960s): Henderson opened its first movie theater in the 1960s, becoming a popular entertainment venue for residents.

Boulder Highway Beautification (1990s):  In the 1990s, the Boulder Highway in Henderson underwent a significant beautification project, enhancing one of the city’s major thoroughfares.

Henderson’s First Chamber of Commerce (1950s): Henderson established its first Chamber of Commerce in the 1950s to support local businesses and economic development.

Green Valley South Development (1980s):  In the 1980s, the development of Green Valley South began, further expanding Henderson’s array of master-planned communities.

Henderson Police Department Formation (1953): Henderson Police Department was officially formed in April 1954, shortly after the city’s incorporation, to provide law enforcement services to the community.

Clark County Museum Foundation (Late 1990s):  In the late 1990s, the Clark County Museum Foundation was established in Henderson, helping preserve and showcase the region’s rich history.

Coral Academy of Science (1999): Coral Academy of Science, a significant educational institution, opened its doors in Henderson.

Henderson International Airport Expansion (1990s): In the 1990s, Henderson Executive Airport underwent an expansion, enhancing its capabilities as a key regional airport.

Introduction of Henderson Dial-a-Ride (1980s):  In the 1980s, Henderson introduced the Dial-a-Ride service, providing convenient transportation options for seniors and people with disabilities.

Sun City Anthem Development (Late 1990s):  In the late 1990s, the development of Sun City Anthem, a large retirement community, began, adding to Henderson’s reputation as a desirable location for retirees.