The Basic Magnesium Plant:

Where it all Started

Henderson was actually "born in America's defense" ten years prior to its incorporation during World War II with the building of the Basic Magnesium Plant. The plant supplied the US War Department with magnesium for munitions and airplane parts. Former Mayor Jim Gibson's own grandfather, Fred Gibson, was one of the original engineers sent to Great Britain to learn the secret of creating the "miracle metal" which would eventually help the United States and the allies win the war.

However, in 1947, magnesium production was no longer necessary for defense and most of the 14,000 BMI employees moved away. Enrollment in the school system was reduced by two thirds and well over half the townsite houses, built to house plant workers, went vacant. In 1947 the United States War Asset Administration actually offered Henderson for sale as war surplus property.

In an effort to save the city, the Nevada Legislature spent a weekend visiting Henderson evaluating the possibility of state administration of Basic Magnesium. Within days of the visit, the legislators unanimously approved a bill giving the Colorado River Commission of Nevada the authority to purchase the industrial plants. Governor Vail Pittman signed the Bill on March 27, 1947, helping save Henderson from becoming war surplus property.

Learn more about the sculpture in Proctor Judicial Park dedicated to the hard-working women of the war effort:  Magnesium Maggies.

 

From Water Street a Town is Born

 

Water Street was once the commercial and civic heart of Henderson. The name of the street is rooted in Henderson’s industrial heritage, after the water pipeline used to pump water to the Basic Magnesium, Inc., (BMI) plant.

The story of Henderson started in 1936 when Cleveland businessman Howard Eells obtained the mineral rights to the magnesium deposits in Gabbs, NV., 350 miles from Las Vegas. Understanding the value of magnesium to support the war efforts, Eells worked with Senator Pat McCarran and others to create the BMI processing plant in Nevada, nearer the source of the ore. During World War II, the BMI plant grew to be the world’s largest magnesium plant.

The construction of the BMI plant instantly transformed the desert lands east of Las Vegas into a populous tent and trailer city. Almost 15,000 people came from across the country to work at the plant, causing a housing shortage in the immediate area. In February of 1942, the construction of the Basic Townsite began with temporary houses to accommodate the influx of families. As the community grew, schools, churches, shops and other small-town features began to appear. In 1944, a post office was established and named in honor of former Nevada U.S. Senator Charles B. Henderson. On January 10, the new Postmaster, Harold Baldwin, a BMI employee, announced the change in name from the Basic Townsite
to Henderson, Nevada.

With the help of local industry, the City of Henderson, Nevada, was officially incorporated on April 16, 1953. On May 23, 1953, Henderson, with its population of 7,410, elected Dr. Jim French as the town's first Mayor. Originally about 13 square miles in size, the City quickly began to grow and flourish.

Lens on Henderson: A Visual Retrospective

For the month of May, the City Hall Art Gallery will feature a special display of Historical Henderson photos.  Explore the rich history of our special city as we recognize the original beginnings of the area known as the Water Street District.  The exhibit includes over 50 images from numerous eras dating back to the city's townsite beginnings.

Stop by the gallery during regular City Hall hours, Monday through Thursday, 7:30am-5:30pm; closed holidays.

 

 Historic Walking Tour

Take a closer look at Henderson’s robust history and how it is intertwined with our national history and the building of our country.  The walking tour takes place in the Water Street District.

View the tour stops in real time as you explore the area HERE. 

Download the Historic Henderson Walking Tour Brochure and Map.

 Download Historic Henderson Walking Tour Brochure and Map.

Experience the story of Henderson through these fifteen "pages" now on display on Water Street. The story of Henderson My Home Town was created by the 1990-1991 fourth grade class at Gordon McCaw Elementary School.  See the pages come to life on Water Street.  Story Walk Henderson My Home Town booklet

 

 

Today, the City of Henderson has grown to more than 103 square miles and is the second largest city in Nevada. With a population over 330,000 people, Henderson boasts all the benefits of community, small town living but with quality of life and economic opportunities that are usually only found in bigger cities. 

Of all the cities within Clark County, Henderson has perhaps the brightest future for Southern Nevada. Master-planned residential areas, progressive business development, new roads and public works projects, outstanding parks and recreation facilities and schools serve to make Henderson, Nevada one of the nation's most dynamic communities, preserving President Kennedy's "city of destiny" vision so many years ago and laying the foundation for 50 more years as one of the nation's best and brightest stars.

Learn more about recent awards and recognition the city has earned here.

Learn more about the story of Henderson with additional sites of historical significance, maps and photos.  View Here

 

 Redevelop That! 

The City's business podcast has turned its attention to community leaders who have witnessed and shaped Henderson History. Listen to upcoming episodes with special interviews of current and former mayors, long term business leaders and historical figures. Learn more and view all episodes here.

 

The City of Henderson is located just a few miles from Reid International Airport, and it is home to the Henderson Executive Airport. The Reid International Airport is located in neighboring Las Vegas and served over 57 million passengers in 2023. With interstate access to both California (I-15) and Arizona (I-11/US 93/95) the city is in proximity to 27 million people within a five-hour car ride.  Henderson is just minutes away from the famous Las Vegas Strip.