Callville, Nevada facts for kids
Callville was a small community that once existed in Clark County, Nevada, in the United States. It was abandoned in 1869. Today, Callville is completely underwater, submerged by Lake Mead after the Colorado River was dammed. The nearby area, Callville Bay, still carries its name. For a time, Callville was the southernmost outpost of the Mormon settlements.
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Where Was Callville?
Callville was located about 350 miles (563 km) from Salt Lake City. It sat on the west bank of the Colorado River. At the time, this area was part of Pah-Ute County, Arizona Territory.
The main road to Callville followed the Virgin River. It passed near St. Thomas, Nevada, then went over hills to the west. Another road connected Callville to the main highway near Las Vegas.
The Story of Callville
How Callville Started
Callville was founded on December 2, 1864. It was started by Anson Call, Dr. James M. Whitmore, A. M. Cannon, and Jacob Hamblin with his son. This settlement became the southernmost point of Mormon expansion.
Anson Call was sent to find a good spot on the Colorado River. The plan was to bring Mormon immigrants from Europe to Utah. They would travel by ship through Panama and the Gulf of California. Then, they would come up the river to this new landing spot.
Call and his team explored the area. They found a black rocky point that was perfect for a warehouse. This spot was just below where Callville Wash met the Colorado River.
Callville's Role in the Region
Callville was one of seven Mormon settlements in the area. These communities were on or near the Muddy River. Other settlements included St. Thomas and Saint Joseph.
In December 1865, Callville became the county seat of Pah-Ute County, Arizona Territory. This meant it was the main government center for the county. However, the county seat later moved to St. Thomas in October 1867.
Life and Decline of Callville
During the American Civil War (1860s), the U.S. Army used Callville as a military post. It was also a landing spot for Colorado River steamboats. These boats traveled from the Gulf of California up the river.
The military closed its post at Callville in 1869. After the Civil War, steamboats continued to use the port. However, the borders of Arizona and Nevada were changed. This placed Callville within Nevada.
By 1869, people decided that Callville was too far up the Colorado River for steamboats. The port was officially abandoned in June of that year. Even after it was abandoned, the old warehouse was still standing in 1892.
Later, in 1921, a large deposit of a mineral called colemanite was found near Callville Wash.
Callville Under Water
Callville was eventually submerged under about 400 feet (122 meters) of water. This happened when the Colorado River was dammed to create Lake Mead. Today, the Callville Bay recreation area is located near where the old settlement once stood.
