Las Vegas Municipal Airport, also known as McCarran Field, was a public airport located in the Las Vegas Valley, just four miles south of downtown Las Vegas in Nevada. The airport served as the main commercial airport for Las Vegas from 1920 until it was replaced by McCarran International Airport in 1948. Despite its closure, the history and significance of Las Vegas Municipal Airport still resonate with aviation enthusiasts and historians today.

The airport was originally established in 1920 as Alamo Field, named after the nearby Alamo Auto Camp. It was primarily used for military training during World War II and saw a significant increase in commercial air traffic in the post-war years. In 1948, the airport was officially renamed McCarran Field in honor of Senator Pat McCarran, who was instrumental in securing federal funding for the airport's expansion and development.

One of the most notable features of Las Vegas Municipal Airport was its unique terminal building, which was designed by prominent architect Zick and Sharp in the Streamline Moderne style. The terminal featured a distinctive curved roof, large windows, and sleek lines that reflected the modernism and optimism of the post-war era. The terminal building was a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and it played a significant role in shaping the architectural landscape of Las Vegas at the time.

In addition to its terminal building, Las Vegas Municipal Airport was also known for its state-of-the-art control tower, which was one of the first of its kind in the United States. The control tower was equipped with advanced radio and radar systems that allowed air traffic controllers to efficiently manage the airport's growing number of flights. The tower also featured a glass observation deck that provided panoramic views of the surrounding runway and aircraft.

Over the years, Las Vegas Municipal Airport became a hub for several major airlines, including Western Airlines, TWA, and United Airlines. The airport offered flights to a variety of domestic destinations, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix, as well as international destinations such as Mexico City and Havana. The airport's convenient location and modern facilities made it a popular choice for travelers passing through the Las Vegas Valley.

Despite its success, Las Vegas Municipal Airport ultimately faced challenges that led to its closure in 1948. The airport's proximity to downtown Las Vegas limited its ability to expand and accommodate larger aircraft, which forced city officials to seek an alternative location for a new airport. In response to these challenges, McCarran International Airport was built on the outskirts of the city and officially opened in 1948, marking the end of an era for Las Vegas Municipal Airport.

Today, the site of Las Vegas Municipal Airport is home to the Las Vegas Country Club and several other commercial developments. While the airport itself may no longer be in operation, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who passed through its gates and experienced the excitement and glamour of air travel in the mid-20th century. Las Vegas Municipal Airport remains an important chapter in the history of aviation in Las Vegas, serving as a reminder of the city's rapid growth and transformation during the post-war era.