St. Thomas Townsite

Overview

St. Thomas Townsite is the haunting, re‑emerged ghost town at the north end of the recreation area near the Overton Arm. Once drowned beneath Lake Mead, today you can stroll past building foundations and old cisterns while interpretive signs piece together the town’s boom‑to‑submergence story.

A Short History With Big Drama

Founded in 1865 by Mormon settlers at the confluence of the Muddy and Virgin Rivers, St. Thomas grew into a small farm hub with a school, post office, stores, a church, and even a soda fountain—despite having no electricity or indoor plumbing. Hoover Dam’s authorization in 1928 sealed its fate: as Lake Mead filled (beginning 1935), residents were paid for their property and moved out. The last holdout, Hugh Lord, left in 1938 as water reached his doorstep. At high water the town sat roughly 60–70 feet underwater and has since reappeared during low lake levels.

What You’ll See

Expect concrete and stone foundations, front steps, cellar windows, fence lines, and scattered relics in situ. Highlights noted on site include the footprint of a 1915 schoolhouse (closed in 1932), the Gentry family’s 14‑room hotel outline, storefront remains, and shells underfoot—quiet proof the place lived underwater for years. Informational placards throughout help you visualize the streetscape.

Getting There & Road Conditions

It’s about a 90‑minute drive from Las Vegas. The final approach is Old St. Thomas Road—around 3.3 miles of dirt/gravel that can be rocky, rutted, and sandy. Conditions vary: most passenger cars can make it in good weather with care, but high‑clearance helps. Cell service is spotty. A park entrance fee applies.

The Walk

From the parking area, an obvious, unmaintained path drops into the site. Plan 60–120 minutes to wander the 2.5‑mile loop, mostly on sand and firm dirt. It’s easy terrain but fully exposed.

Conditions, Wildlife, and Etiquette

Summer heat here is brutal and there’s zero shade—bring ample water, sun protection, and sturdy footwear. Watch for snakes in warm months and give any desert bighorn sheep space. This is a protected historic site: don’t climb on foundations, don’t remove artifacts, and report vandalism or off‑road driving if you see it.

Best Time to Visit

Go in the cooler months and start early in the day. You’ll beat the heat, enjoy calmer conditions, and have more energy to linger at the interpretive stops.

Extra Context

The old cemetery was relocated to nearby Overton, where an interpretive presence continues the story of the “Lost City” area and ongoing research into the region’s past.