Bugsy Siegel: The Jewish Gangster Who Built Las Vegas
Early Life and Criminal Career
Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel was born on February 28, 1906, in Brooklyn, New York. He began his criminal career as a teenage bootlegger during Prohibition. By the time he was in his early twenties, he had become a high-ranking member of the infamous Murder Incorporated crime syndicate.
Involvement in the Development of Las Vegas
In the 1940s, Siegel moved to Los Angeles and became involved in the development of the Las Vegas Strip. He envisioned building a luxurious casino resort that would cater to wealthy tourists. In 1946, he opened The Flamingo, which was one of the first high-end casinos in Las Vegas. However, the casino was a financial failure, and Siegel was reportedly killed by members of his own gang shortly after it opened.
Legacy
Bugsy Siegel is remembered as one of the most notorious gangsters of the early 20th century. His life and crimes have been the subject of numerous books, movies, and television shows. He is considered a key figure in the development of Las Vegas, and his legacy continues to fascinate people to this day.
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