Design of the opera Carmen set in early 1940's Las Vegas. Each act is related to a different playing card suit. Carmen is a show girl-turned-sex worker.
In 1941, the Las Vegas Gunnery School formed, bringing loads of soldiers to the area for WW2. Concerns arose about the military men being distracted by the prominent brothel presence. In 1943, brothels were banned near military bases causing the red light district Block 16 to die out. Brothels such as the 4 Mile Bar grew popular because they were located just out of city limits, escaping the ban. Hotels, like the El Cortez Hotel, became a growing industry, often including performance venues and bars inside. Helldorado Days was a big frontier themed Old Timers Day parade on the road outside of a rodeo.