Henderson, Nevada, didn’t start like most cities. It wasn’t built around gold, gambling, or train stops. It was created out of a national emergency—World War II. Today, it’s the second-largest city in the state, known for its safe neighborhoods, family-friendly vibe, and growing real estate market. But its story is full of surprising turns.
Built for War: Henderson’s Unexpected Beginning
Henderson came to life in the early 1940s during World War II. The U.S. government needed magnesium, a metal used to build airplanes, bombs, and tanks. Nevada was chosen for a massive magnesium production plant called the Basic Magnesium Plant. Henderson was built to house the thousands of workers who came from all over the country to work at the plant.
At first, it wasn’t even a city—it was just a company town run by the federal government. But at its peak, the plant supplied a large portion of the country’s magnesium. Workers lived in simple housing and formed a tight-knit community focused on one purpose: helping win the war.
After the War: A Town on the Brink of Disappearing
When World War II ended in 1945, the government no longer needed so much magnesium. The plant was shut down almost overnight. Thousands of jobs were lost, and the town started emptying out quickly. The federal government even considered abandoning the entire area.
But the people who stayed weren’t ready to give up. In 1947, local leaders fought to take control of the land and buildings. Their efforts worked. Slowly, new businesses moved in and reused the old industrial buildings. In 1953, Henderson was officially incorporated as a city with just a few thousand residents.
Steady Growth in the Desert
From the 1950s to the 1980s, Henderson grew little by little. It wasn’t as flashy as Las Vegas, but that’s exactly what some people liked about it. Families looking for quiet neighborhoods and affordable homes started buying property here. The city added schools, parks, and local services. Small factories, retail stores, and local businesses helped stabilize the economy.
In the 1980s, the city began promoting its industrial area, known as the “Henderson Industrial Complex,” bringing in more jobs. Around this time, developers also started building more homes, setting the stage for the city’s next big transformation.
Boom Years: Henderson Becomes a Destination
In the 1990s and 2000s, Henderson exploded in size. Master-planned communities like Green Valley and Anthem were built, offering beautiful homes, clean streets, and plenty of space. These new neighborhoods were popular with retirees, families, and professionals looking to escape the noise of Las Vegas while still being close to the action.
Shopping centers, golf courses, and restaurants followed the growth. The city also invested in parks, bike trails, and sports facilities. Henderson became known for its quality of life. Between 1990 and 2010, the population grew by more than 250%. New schools, police stations, and libraries popped up to keep up with demand.
Modern Henderson: A City with Its Own Identity
Today, Henderson is more than just a suburb of Las Vegas—it’s a city with its own identity. With a population of nearly 330,000 people, it offers everything from luxury housing and gated communities to affordable condos and family homes. It’s also home to major attractions like the Lion Habitat Ranch, the M Resort, and the Vegas Golden Knights’ practice arena.
Many residents love Henderson for its low crime rate, excellent public schools, and slower pace of life. It’s also popular with Californians and others moving in from out of state, looking for more space and better housing prices.
Whether you’re investing in property, relocating for work, or just looking for a change, Henderson has become one of the top places to buy a home in Nevada—and it all started with a war.
