Mapping Main Street Las Vegas
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This is what I envision when I hear politicos talk about "Main Street America", representing the center of thought for all our collective towns. Even when I lived in small town Georgia, I knew it wasn't that simple. Everywhere I've called home since just seems like a faraway land. This "Main Street" they speak of — the place where everyone agrees — must run through towns I've never been before. Where I live, there's no such thing.
I'd never actually thought about this before until I heard of a collective documentary project called Mapping Main Street. The creators observed a curious thing: When politicians and media mention Main Street, they evoke one people and one place. But there are over 10,466 streets named Main in the United States. The website aims to document them in pictures and stories. It's worth taking a look around, to put some perspective on this idea of Main Street.
Las Vegas has a Main Street, and it's nothing like the town square in my head. So I went for a walk and took some pictures. They represent a small part of a big picture — Welcome to Main Street America.
 I have lived in Las Vegas nearly six years, and it only just occurred to me: I could not tell you where to find the court house. I know the general area, but it's not a landmark like in other places. If I were to ask directions, a local would tell me the closest casino. Those are the reference points most of us know. So it's only fitting to start this tour at Main Street Station Casino. |
 The cross-streets are named after American Frontiersmen and explorers. The namesake of John C. Fremont, is now known as The Fremont Street Experience. Also known as Glitter Gulch. |
 At the intersection of Main and Fremont stands the iconic Plaza Hotel Casino, which you might recognize from the 1998 movie version of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. This photo represents a bit of Fear and Loathing — photos inside casinos are no-nos. I snapped this and got caught. The dealer who reminded me of the rules was nice about it though. Shrugged and said they wouldn't take my camera or anything. I moved along. |
 Just a few years ago, Las Vegas celebrated her 100th birthday, but I doubt there are any structures that old. This section of town showcases the some of the oldest buildings still standing. Historic in Vegas means it's been around since the 1940's. |
 Vintage. |
 Vintage. |
 Modern. |
 That's not the New York Times. |
 Main Street Las Vegas, at least the few blocks featured here, flashes with lights... |
 and casinos... |
 It's part of Main Street America. |
Posted by TheWordWire at 9/4/2009 9:34 AM 
Categories: Slice of Life,Vegas Baby
Tags: Las Vegas Mapping Main Street Freemont Street NPR
Categories: Slice of Life,Vegas Baby
Tags: Las Vegas Mapping Main Street Freemont Street NPR
Thank you for documenting... People should be reminded that "Main Street" defines our collective memory and guides our aspirations. Well done.
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Hi,
This is a great post! Glad to hear that Mapping Main Street has helped you possibly see Las Vegas in a slightly different light. These photos are fantastic! Would you consider adding them to the group pool on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/groups/mappingmainstreet/pool/) so that they can appear on the Mapping Main Street website?
Thanks,
Jesse
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Thank you so much for your comment and for pointing me to the flickr group -- I'd be glad to share the photos there. I appreciate your vision for this project - thanks!
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Exactly ... people have a nasty habit of believing that their reality is the only reality. Probably each politician envisions their own Main Street when they use the term in their speeches, and it's pity that policies can’t really be made for every different type of Main Street! What a fascinating documentary - it'd be great to show in schools. Kids need to learn about people's differences ... and they don’t get that in Geography or History like they did in 'the olden days', in most cases.
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