Morris Barney Dalitz: (December 25, 1899 – August 31, 1989)

In the glittering saga of Las Vegas, Morris Barney Dalitz, fondly known as Mo Dalitz, emerges as a central figure who left an indelible mark on the city. Las Vegas, once famed for showgirls, gambling halls, and speakeasy saloons, bore witness to an era teeming with fame, fortune, mystery, and the shadow of organized crime. As the neon lights of the iconic Strip beckoned, it became a realm where both the destitute sought wealth and the affluent risked impoverishment.

In the early 20th century, Las Vegas, or Sin City as it would later be known, witnessed the rise of Mo Dalitz, a figure instrumental in shaping its destiny. Organized crime cast a long shadow over the city’s early years, reaching its zenith before gradually being expelled in the late 1970s. By the 1990s, Las Vegas had transformed into a premier American family resort city, shedding its darker associations.

The origins of this bustling metropolis, with a population initially just over 43,000, can be traced back to the aftermath of the Great Depression in 1931. The legalization of gambling in Las Vegas during this period allowed the city to emerge from the shadows, as it became a tax-collecting haven for a pastime that had thrived illicitly. The announcement of the construction of the Hoover Dam further fueled the city’s growth, drawing in hordes of construction workers seeking respite under the vibrant lights of Las Vegas on weekends.

Enter the 1940s, a pivotal era marked by the arrival of iconic figures Meyer Lansky and Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel. Lansky envisioned grand gambling palaces, fine dining, and round-the-clock entertainment. The Flamingo Hotel, a testament to their vision, rose to prominence, paving the way for other illustrious establishments like The Desert Inn, The Sands, The Thunderbird, and The Riviera.

In the annals of Las Vegas history, Morris Barney Dalitz earned the moniker “Mr. Las Vegas.” A visionary alongside his partners, Dalitz played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s landscape. The Las Vegas Country Club, the Stardust Hotel atop the Strip, the city hospital, and other landmarks bear the imprint of his influence. Joan Rivers, at the Riviera, bestowed upon him the title of “Mr. Las Vegas,” capturing the essence of his transformative contributions.

While Dalitz has often been associated with organized crime, the truth paints a different picture. Throughout his life, he grappled with the complexities of a man striving to lead an upright existence while being plagued by mafia extortion. In the late ’70s, amidst the emergence of MGM and Caesars Palace on the Strip, Dalitz continued to defy categorization, leaving an enduring legacy on the ever-evolving canvas of Las Vegas.

The city commissioners of Las Vegas honored him with an award, a testament to his profound impact. The image of the magnificent Las Vegas Strip, anchored by the Stardust Hotel and the Desert Inn, adorns the accolade. In the night sky, a luminous neon sign declares, “Starring Morris Barney Dalitz” — a fitting tribute to the man forever etched in the narrative of “Mr. Las Vegas.”