Dispelling Vegas Legends: The Imperial Palace's Swastika-Shaped Design
An age-old rumour has been rekindled since the LINQ Hotel overtook the Imperial Palace on the Las Vegas Strip in 2014 - the idea that the former establishment was shaped like a swastika due to its owner-builder being a pro-Nazi sympathiser.
Though Engelstad denied his affiliation with the Nazi party, no government body ever proved it. However, as a result, he had to pay a hefty sum of $1.5 million in 1989 to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, making it the second-highest fine the board has ever imposed. He consented to abide by nine restrictions on his gaming licence to avoid a more severe probe which could potentially have led to the revocation of his licence.
Based on a 1988 New York Times article, Engelstad organized birthday parties for Adolf Hitler on 20th April 1986 and again in 1988 at his casino hotel. These events were supposedly arranged in his “war room” - a hidden 3,000 square-foot Imperial Palace hideout adorned with Nazi symbols, Hitler murals, and a painting of Engelstad in a full Nazi outfit. Another alarming detail from the Times report is that the celebrations were attended by bartenders wearing T-shirts proclaiming “Adolf Hitler: European Tour 1939-45.”
Engelstad defended his interest in Hitler by stating that they were merely historical theme parties to boost employee morale. The gaming authority did not agree with his stance. An investigation by the Times also uncovered a printing plate meant to create numerous “Hitler Was Right” bumper stickers.
One report from a guest at the 1988 Hitler bash revealed that Engelstad forced certain Jewish employees to attend the event against their will. He allegedly wanted one of them to cut the cake, but the person evaded him.
Dismantling a Persistent Myth
The myth concerning the “swastika-shaped” Imperial Palace, which lacked any implausibility, considering what transpired within the facility, largely disappeared after the emergence of Google Earth in 2005.
Although the casino hotel displayed swastika-like angles, satellite images undoubtedly ruled out any connection to a swastika or other notable symbols.
However, the myth has regained traction since the Imperial Palace was not demolished, as initially planned. Instead, Harrah's (now Caesars), who bought the hotel from the Engelstad family in 2005, opted to build the LINQ on its foundations. Thus, you can still spot the same non-swastika shape of the former hotel when viewed from the skies.
Reassessing the Whole Scenario
Engelstad contributed positively to Las Vegas. He transformed the Imperial Palace, initially known as the Flamingo Capri, by enlarging it from 650 to 2,700 rooms and reopened the redesigned hotel in 1979. He also co-developed the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. His philanthropic efforts included a lavish $104 million donation to create a hockey arena at his alma mater, the University of North Dakota.
Yet, Engelstad was never indicted or accused of any infraction in conjunction with the case.
He later disowned Hitler and expressed remorse for his poor judgement by apologising to the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas. He described the actions as "stupid, insensitive, and held in bad taste."
Engelstad passed away from cancer in 2002. Two of the stadiums in Grand Forks, ND, and Thief River Falls, MN, still carry his name.
For more explorations into dispelling Vegas myths, check out “Vegas Myths Busted” every Monday on this website. Feel free to suggest any other Vegas myths that need debunking - email us at .
Read also:
- BVB trails 1-0 against Paris, with Füllkrug leading them towards the final.
- Munich Drama: Late Real Penalty Leaves Bayern Shocked
- Lars is capable of leading BVB, according to many.
- Subsequent torrential rainfall leads to 48 fatalities due to partial highway collapse in China.
Source: www.casino.org
