CARSON CITY --  El Cortez Hotel and Casino, located at 600 Fremont Street in Las Vegas, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) on February 13, 2013.

The National Register is the nation’s official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation. When it opened in 1941, Fremont Street’s El Cortez became the premiere hotel/casino in downtown Las Vegas. The popularity of El Cortez helped bolster the city’s economic development while its various owners helped define the city as it emerged as an international entertainment capital. Following the 1959 installation of the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign (NRHP listed 2009), new resorts established the Las Vegas Strip and later eclipsed the popularity of downtown. El Cortez, however, would remain a constant presence in downtown Las Vegas.

Constructed in 1941, El Cortez is primarily Spanish Colonial Revival style but reflects the 1952 remodel when the façade was ‘modernized’ and the marquee and prominent rooftop signage were added. El Cortez remains one of the oldest establishments on Fremont Street and is the only establishment to continue operation under its original name. Today, El Cortez Hotel and Casino continues to convey the feeling of 1952 Las Vegas.

“We are pleased that such a beloved and well-tended icon has been given this national recognition. We encourage visitors looking for an authentic vintage Las Vegas vacation to seek out this cherished resource,” said Rebecca Palmer, acting state historic preservation officer.

For additional information about El Cortez Hotel and Casino, please visit the hotel’s website: www.elcortezhotelcasino.com