Rioville, Nevada facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rioville, Nevada
Rioville, Nevada Location in Arizona
Geography

Rioville, Nevada was once a small town that disappeared under the waters of Lake Mead! It was first called Junction City and was started by a group of settlers called Latter-day Saints (also known as Mormons) in 1869. They thought they were building their town in Utah Territory, but it turned out to be in what is now Clark County, Nevada.

A Town's Beginning

Junction City was built right next to the Colorado River. It was also close to where another river, the Virgin River, joined the Colorado. This location was important for travel and trade.

Later, a ferry service called Stone's Ferry was bought and moved near the town in 1876. It was renamed Bonelli's Ferry after its new owner, Daniel Bonelli. Ferries were like floating bridges that helped people and goods cross the river.

From Junction City to Rioville

The first Mormon settlers left Junction City in 1871. But new settlers arrived in the 1880s. They renamed the town Rioville. Rioville even had its own post office from 1881 to 1906.

Steamboats on the River

On July 8, 1879, Rioville became a very important stop for steamboats of the Colorado River. Captain Jack Mellon steered the steamboat Gila all the way up the river. He went through a narrow part called Boulder Canyon to reach Rioville. This made Rioville the highest point on the Colorado River that steamboats could reach.

From 1879 until 1887, steamboats used Rioville as a port. They carried salt mined nearby to help process silver ore in El Dorado Canyon. Even a smaller boat called the Sou'Wester helped carry salt during times when the water was low.

The Town Fades Away

By the 1890s, most people had left Rioville. Silver mining activity had slowed down. The post office stayed open until 1906, and the ferry continued to operate until 1934.

Rioville Today

The original site of Rioville is now completely underwater. It has been submerged by Lake Mead since the 1930s.