Mark Patton writes for Vegas Report about Las Vegas history, historic casinos and resorts, neighborhoods, museums, and the changing character of Southern Nevada. His work emphasizes documented evidence, useful historical context, and a careful separation of established facts from the myths that often surround Las Vegas.
Mark Patton studied history at the University of Nevada, Reno, where his interests developed around public history, archival research, and the preservation of regional stories. His professional background includes work with regional museums, cultural organizations, community heritage projects, and independent historical research focused on Nevada and the American West. At Vegas Report, he writes about historic casinos and resorts, Las Vegas neighborhoods, museums, transportation heritage, Downtown Las Vegas, and the people and institutions that helped shape Southern Nevada. His editorial approach starts with records, primary sources, provenance, and historical context rather than repeating familiar stories simply because they have become part of Vegas folklore. Patton aims to help readers understand what can be documented, where uncertainty remains, and why the difference matters when interpreting the history of a city built as much on reinvention as on memory.
Coverage Areas
History of Las VegasThe development of Las Vegas from its early settlement and railroad period through the growth of casino resorts, tourism, suburban expansion, and the modern metropolitan region.
Public historyThe research, preservation, interpretation, and presentation of history for audiences outside traditional academic settings, including museums, archives, heritage projects, and public-facing media.
BarBars, lounges, taverns, and other social venues as part of Las Vegas cultural history, with attention to how distinctive establishments reflect changing neighborhoods, nightlife, tourism, and local identity.
A new federal report highlights that thousands of full-time Las Vegas hospitality and retail workers depend on Medicaid and SNAP, raising questions about wages, benefits, and the role of major employers in the region’s visitor economy
Creed will bring its 'Creedmas' holiday show to BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas on December 11 and 12, with tickets available starting August 14. The performances mark part of the band's major reunion tour.
Super Kyuramen has opened its first West Coast location in Chinatown Las Vegas, bringing ramen, sushi, and izakaya-style dining to Hotai Plaza. The restaurant operates daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.
PopUp Bagels will open its first Nevada location in Henderson on August 28, offering a focused menu of fresh bagels and spreads. The shop plans a grand opening event with giveaways and music starting at 7 a.m.
Steve Lacy will perform at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on November 13 as part of his 27-city ‘Oh Yeah? Tour,’ supporting his new album and marking his first headline shows since 2022
Palms Casino Resort will open a new 7,300-square-foot enclosed nonsmoking gaming area with 224 slot machines near the William Hill Sportsbook on August 24, followed by a charity event and grand opening on September 1.
Carversteak at Resorts World will feature Francesco Lafranconi, Anthony DeMaria, Jozef Letasi and Jamie Clark for a special Spritz Residency on August 18, offering exclusive cocktails on the Strip’s climate-controlled patio
F1 Arcade Las Vegas at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace has introduced three new experience packages starting at $59 per person, combining full-motion Formula 1 simulators with food and beverage options for guests
Morrissey has canceled his four-show residency at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas just one week before the first scheduled performance. All other tour dates in the U.S. and Europe remain on the calendar as of August 8.
Sammy Hagar’s “The Best of All Worlds” returns to Dolby Live at Park MGM for five shows in September, with special cocktails and fan events planned across the Strip during the residency.
Cashman Field in North Las Vegas will close its doors after nearly eight decades, with the final home games and a farewell event scheduled for October 17. Fans can purchase a mini plan starting at $45 to attend the last games.
As Clark County and local leaders consider rent stabilization policies, housing experts warn that such measures could slow new development and worsen the affordable rental shortage in Las Vegas and across Nevada
Delta Air Lines and federal agencies are reviewing a security incident after a fake Wi-Fi network was discovered on a Las Vegas-to-Atlanta flight carrying DEF CON attendees, prompting a temporary shutdown of onboard internet service.
Recent cyberattacks on U.S. municipal water systems have raised concerns about the security and reliability of water infrastructure in Las Vegas and Southern Nevada, prompting local officials and businesses to reassess risks and future planning
Las Vegas sportsbooks have released odds for the 2026 college football season, including national championship, Heisman Trophy, and major conference races. Bettors can review futures ahead of the August 29 kickoff.
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