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.
This Civic Wall honors those individuals that played an important part in Henderson’s history and heritage. They are the individuals that provided the vision and foundation for a community that has evolved into one of the premier communities in America. Of all the cities within Clark County, Henderson has perhaps the brightest future in southern Nevada and is one the most dynamic communities in the nation today due greatly to the leaders that have served since our incorporation on June 8, 1953.
