Important points
- Civilizations always build on remnants of their earlier version, and sometimes it reveals itself in unexpected ways
- In 1935, the area was flooded due to rising water levels in Lake Mead, and in 1938 the settlers were forced to relocate.
- The surprising fact is that the ghost town reappears every time the water level drops and it has become a tourist attraction.
Before the Mormons settled in St. Thomas, Nevada, the town was occupied by basket makers and native Puebloans. Later, Latter-day Saint settlers took up activities such as farming and pioneers founded other businesses, only to learn they were in Nevada.
Things started to change in 1871 when the government began taxing residents. Things became more difficult for Latter-day Saint settlers when the government took taxes from the previous five years to make up for years when they had not paid taxes.
The settlers did not want to pay taxes and left the city. They burned down their homes, let the crops dry, and then moved to another city, Salt Lake City.
A new group of Latter-day Saints settled in the area in the 1880s and began farming. They built grocery stores, a school, and an ice cream shop. St. Thomas also had a church and post office. Life seemed simple but exciting to the settlers, although they lacked domestic plumbing and electricity.
The population of St. Thomas grew to 500 residents until things changed again in 1928. During the year, President Calvin Coolidge authorized construction of a dam, the Hoover Dam, which spelled the end of St. Thomas. The dam is the reason Lake Mead exists.
Floods caused evacuation
In the 1930s, Lake Mead’s water levels began to rise, forcing residents to move to other areas. By 1935 the lake was almost completely flooded; By 1938 most of the residents, with the exception of Hugh Lord, had moved. However, the water hit Hugh Lord’s door that same year and he was forced to flee. The floods covered many settlements, such as Calville and Anasazi Indian sites.
Later, the entire city of St. Thomas was covered 60 feet below the waterline. However, history shows that this city was flooded before the basket weavers settled here. The earlier settlers also experienced the floods.
The water level of Lake Mead fluctuated and sometimes the ghost town reappears. This happened in 1945, 1963, and 2012. Due to the current Nevada drought, St. Thomas is visible because it is above water level.
The ghost town is a tourist attraction center
St. Thomas, the ghost town in Nevada, has brought in a lot of money for the state through tourism. Tourists travel to see the rugged parts of the earth and flood-damaged buildings like St. Thomas School. You can also admire the artifacts that archaeologists found in the 1930s.
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Other Landmarks in Nevada
Although Ghost Town is one of the top tourist attractions in Nevada, there are other exciting places to be found. If you take a trip to Nevada, don’t forget to visit Las Vegas. It is the state’s largest city. You should also see other natural attractions, small towns, rivers and national parks. Nevada’s recreational areas are what keep more people coming back. Here is a list of places to explore:
1.Vegas
Las Vegas, the largest city in Nevada, is fun to visit. It is known for entertainment that you can get from big hotels, resorts and restaurants. It is also a perfect place if you want to have lunch or anniversary dinner with your significant other, friend or family.
Some of the big resorts in Las Vegas are Paris, New York and The Caesar’s Palace. Nightlife is also top notch here.
Upon landing, ask your guide to show you Fremont Street in Old Town. Make sure you have the best experience here in the evenings. This part of the old town is adorned with a canopy of LED lights, an experience worth trying.
The city is easily accessible by plane and can be an excellent destination for a trip or a wedding. There are also hotels for families and children, and you can take on a challenge with your hiking crew.
2. Lake Mead National Recreation Area
If you enjoy watching the lake and feeling a fresh, cool breeze, the shores of Lake Mead are a place worth investing the time and money for. It is easily accessible and offers various services.
Make sure you wear a bathing suit to the Lake Mead shore as there are exciting activities such as swimming, boating and beaching. The adrenaline junkies also visit the coast for hiking and camping in the mountains. When visiting, make sure you head to Boulder Basin. It’s north of the Hoover Dam and people go there to swim and sunbathe.
3.Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe has beautiful blue water and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, making it one of the most mesmerizing places in Nevada. The lake measures 22 miles and is a freshwater lake. Holidays are more pleasant in summer because of the beautiful beaches.
Other activities in Lake Tahoe include hiking and camping at the campgrounds. The scenery of the lake is beautiful and you can watch it at any time of the year. The lake is easily accessible as it is five hours from San Francisco.
4. Reno
Reno has a large population and many fascinating things to impress. Most tourists attend the annual National Championship Air Races and other events. The city is also home to the National Automobile Museum. So if you want to take a day trip, Reno is a great place.
5. Hoover Dam
Although the Hoover Dam is the reason for the Nevada ghost town’s existence, it is a major tourist attraction. The dam is 726 feet high and is a significant source of hydroelectric power in Nevada and Arizona.
The Hoover Dam is easily accessible as it is located 45 minutes from Las Vegas. Tourists like to walk around the dam for the best views over Lake Mead. You can also book tours to explore the area.
6. Great Basin National Park
If you love greenery and cool breezes from the parks, you should visit Great Basic National Park. This park has over 80,000 acres, a Wheeler Peak and Lehman Caves. The park also protects the 5,000 year old Bristlecone Pines.
You can visit this park for camping and other activities. Also, be sure to drive past the Wheeler Peak scenic drive in the summer.
Facts about Lake Mead
Lake Mead is a major tourist attraction. It was created from the Hoover Dam and generated electricity for Arizona, California and Nevada. The lake is located in the beautiful city of Las Vegas, known for casinos and great restaurants.
There’s a lot to admire at Lake Mead, but it’s important to know the facts about this tourist attraction hub first.
1. Lake Mead was the first recreation area in America
If you want to swim, bike, hike, or camp, Lake Mead is the perfect place for these activities. It has a beautiful landscape with beautiful mountains and valleys. You can also go fishing and hope to catch striped bass, channel catfish or rainbow trout.
However, fishing in southern Nevada is not permitted for persons without a license.
This large lake also offers quality accommodation and services for tourists.
2. Lake Mead is named after Elwood Mead
There is a story about the origin of the name Mead. The lake was named after Elwood Mead, then Commissioner of the US Bureau of Reclamation, who died in 1936. The name was later changed to Lake Mead National Recreation area.
3. The lake is also a reservoir
Lake Mead serves as a national park, recreation center and reservoir. The snow-capped mountains surrounding the lake provide water for it and all of Las Vegas, and the lake is also used for irrigation. When this lake is at full capacity, it is the second largest lake in the US
4. The water level in Lake Mead has dropped sharply
Lake Mead flooded and blanketed surrounding homes in the 1930s, forcing homeowners to vacate. However, due to a reduction in most of the excess water sources, there has been a sharp decrease in water in the lake water. The drop in the water level is evident.
5. It is a perfect place for camping
When planning your next camping trip with your friends, consider Lake Mead. The surrounding area has beautiful landscapes and you can sit at a shady picnic table. Tourists are also provided with grills and toilets. You can choose any campsite depending on the number of people and the experience you want.
6. Under the lake lies a buried city
The early residents of Lake Mead abandoned the area due to rising water levels. The last plot of land around this lake moved in 1938 because it was expanding rapidly and reaching the homes of residents. Some houses are visible today due to the falling water level.
Final Thoughts
One of the most fascinating parts of America, Lake Mead is man-made. Below lies a buried city, which becomes visible as the water level in the lake drops. There are many leisure activities available in the area, such as fishing, swimming and cycling. Why not take a trip to this beautiful place and enjoy everything firsthand?
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