The village of Blue Diamond will celebrate its history Saturday, Oct. 24 at 9:30 a.m. with the dedication of a historic marker at the corner of Village and Diamond, across from the Village Market. County Commission Vice Chair Susan Brager, who represents the area, will speak and then unveil the sign.

The historic marker is being placed in Blue Diamond as part of Clark County's centennial celebration, in conjunction with the Blue Diamond History Committee. Part of the centennial's purpose has been to call attention to the rich and diverse history to be found in the county's rural areas.

"Blue Diamond is a very special place, with a history of hard-working residents who have a strong sense of community," said Brager. "I am pleased that the county is able to include Blue Diamond in the county's centennial celebration. This historic marker will let people know about Blue Diamond's important role in the history of Clark County."

Blue Diamond was a stop on the Old Spanish Trail in the 19th century, when it was known as Cottonwood Springs. It was an agricultural oasis, farmed by several families including that of Vincent Matteucci, who grew fruit and vegetables for the Las Vegas market. Matteucci and his partner Peter Buol later sold their nearby mining claim to the Blue Diamond Gypsum Company. The company started the mine and later built the gypsum plant that sustained the village for the next decades.

The historic markers were funded by a grant from the Las Vegas Centennial Committee using the proceeds from the sales of specialty license plates. Other markers will be placed in Goodsprings, Indian Springs and Whitney Township. The Blue Diamond dedication ceremony is free and open to the public. For more information call (702) 455-8242. Clark County was officially formed on July 1, 1909 out of the southern half of Lincoln County and is named for railroad baron William Andrews Clark. The city of Las Vegas, which includes downtown and the area north of the Strip, was incorporated two years later in 1911. Those interested in additional information on Clark County's Centennial celebrations can visit the Web site at www.accessclarkcounty.com/100 <http://www.accessclarkcounty.com/100> or call (702) 455-8200.