An Oaisis In the Desert
After World War I ended, the economy of the United States changed from producing war materials to constructing infrastructures to improve road, bridges, schools, libraries, etc. US Highway 91 was finally completed in 1935. This new highway beckoned, and the war-weary citizens of the United States began to travel.
Gambling was legalized in the State of Nevada in 1931. Las Vegas, Nevada was beginning to blossom with this industry. However, in the Virgin Valley, the leaders of the communities were also the leaders of the Church and they refused to allow liquor and gambling in their towns.
Due to the location of Beaver Dam/Littlefield, tucked away in the far northwest corner of Arizona and over 300 miles from Kingman, the Mohave County seat, and even further away from Phoenix, Arizona’s capital, the law had little control and the state and county seemed willing to not be troubled.
The Beaver Dam Lodge was constructed in 1929, and soon became an oasis and a natural resting place halfway between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City. During the Depression years, the center room of the lodge was lined with slot machines, mostly nickel, dime, and penny slots. Due to the Depression, the penny slots were the more favored.
The Lodge became a famous resort to Hollywood stars. Frequent visitors were Clark Gable, Howard Hughes, John Wayne, Jane Russell, Errol Flynn, Jack Benny, Wallace Berry, and Tyrone Power. The swimming pool at the lodge was a greatattraction and the food, liquor and gambling provided a robust time for all.
At the end of World War II, the returning veterans of Virgin Valley soon became the leading businessmen. They could see a dim future for them if gambling and liquor were not allowed in Mesquite. The businessmen combined their influence and overcame the blockage of gambling and liquor by the Church. Bunkerville remained steadfast against the sale of liquor and gambling, and their preference is recorded in the Clark County Archives as such. However, Mesquite businesses quickly put liquor on their shelves and slot machines in their establishments. It was not long until the Beaver Dam Lodge closed and within a few years, gambling casinos began to open in Mesquite.