LAS VEGAS —- Probably the most overlooked tourist site in Las Vegas is also its lowliest in terms of glamor, glitz, size and neon. However, the Old Las Vegas-Mormon Fort State Historic Park is worth a visit for a priceless lesson in pioneer history and as a contrast to the modern Las Vegas.

Located on the extreme north end of Las Vegas Boulevard, at Washington Avenue —- in downtown Las Vegas —- this is where the settlement of Vegas began. If you blink, you might miss this corner of rural flavor amidst the heavy traffic and all the new buildings in the area...