The history of the Moulin Rouge Hotel and Casino (1955) represents the pivotal moment in the desegregation of Las Vegas. Prior to its opening, the city was known as the "Mississippi of the West," enforcing strict segregation.

The Westside

Black entertainers could perform on the Strip—Sammy Davis Jr., Nat King Cole, Lena Horne—but they were relegated to the Westside for housing and leisure. After the show, they had to leave through the back door and couldn't gamble in the casinos where they'd just performed.

The Moulin Rouge Opens

Opened in May 1955 with backing from white investors and boxing legend Joe Louis, the Moulin Rouge was the first racially integrated luxury casino. For the first time in Las Vegas, Black and white patrons could gamble side by side.

The Third Show

It became famous for its "Third Show," attracting both Black and white celebrities for late-night socialization after the Strip clubs closed. This threatened the segregated status quo of Strip competitors, who began losing their best entertainers to late-night jams.

The Brief Life

Although it closed due to financial mismanagement and external pressure after only five months, the venue served as the site of the historic March 1960 Moulin Rouge Agreement, which ended segregation on the Strip.