Photographs from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Creative Services Records (2010s) (PH-00388-05). St. Thomas was abandoned as Lake Mead filled after the completion of Hoover Dam. At times when the lake is full, St. Thomas lies under 60 feet of water, but at times of lower water levels, the town's foundations can easily be seen.
Oral history interview with Jean Whitcher conducted by Michele deHoll on March 12, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Witcher discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1932 and describes the construction of Boulder (Hoover) Dam, Fremont Street before it was fully paved, and social life in Las Vegas at the time. Witcher then recalls her work in costume repair and construction as a seamstress at the El Rancho Hotel and Casino. Later, Witcher discusses her work in costume design and recalls some of her more memorable designs.
On March 2, 1975, Marilyn Swanson interviewed Theodore R. Garrett (born 1898 in Overbrook, Kansas) about his life in Boulder City, Nevada. Garrett first talks about his move to Las Vegas to work for Six Companies during the construction of Hoover Dam. He then describes his job as a truck driver at the dam, the wages paid at the time, and the construction of the buildings and other housing in Boulder City. Garrett also mentions the food provided to the workers, the recreational activities available, and his family’s move to Boulder City.
The Colorado River Commission of Nevada Reference Library Collection (1922-2000) documents the history of the Colorado River Commission (CRC) and is predominately comprised of books, briefs, memoranda, motions, exhibits, and other documents pertaining to the Arizona v. California litigation occurring between 1931 and 2000. The collection also contains meeting minutes, correspondence, budgets, reports, and other work files relating to the CRC. The CRC, located in Las Vegas, Nevada, is responsible for managing and protecting Nevada’s Colorado River water and power resources.
Looking west through the remains of Saint Thomas from near the remains of Jacob Baver's blacksmith shop.
Transcribed Notes: Bureau of Reclamation typed notes appended to back of photo: Townsite of St. Thomas, Nevada--Moapa Valley Project--Nevada A view of a portion of the townsite of St. Thomas, Nevada, settled by the Mormons in 1865, during a period of low water elevation in Lake Mead above Hoover Dam. The town was first covered by Lake Mead in June 1938.