Callville

Lost beneath the surface of Lake Mead lies Callville, a forgotten piece of Nevada history. Callville wasn’t always a watery grave. It was once a bustling port, a key stop on the Colorado River. Established in 1864 by Anson Call under the direction of Brigham Young, Callville was envisioned as a vital link for trade and immigration to Utah. Imagine steamboats chugging up the river, laden with goods destined for Salt Lake City. Callville was more than just a port. It was the southernmost outpost of the Mormon settlement, a testament to their pioneering spirit. It even served as the county seat of Pah-Ute County, Arizona Territory, for a brief period. The American Civil War brought soldiers to Callville, transforming it into a military garrison. They protected the steamboats and the crucial supply lines they represented. However, Callville’s heyday was short-lived. In 1869, the army abandoned the garrison. Congress redrew state lines, placing Callville within Nevada. Steamboat traffic waned, and soon the once-busy port was deserted. The Deseret News reported its abandonment in June 1869, recounting a tale of horse thieves using warehouse doors as a makeshift raft to escape. Today, Callville rests quietly beneath the waters of Lake Mead, a silent witness to Nevada’s vibrant past. The Callville Bay recreation area now marks the spot where this ghost town once thrived. Though submerged, Callville’s story continues to ripple through the history of the region.