Muddy River (Nevada)
The Muddy River, formerly known as the Moapa River, is a short river located in
Las Vegas
.
Geography
The Muddy River is approximately 32 miles (51 km) long. It begins as a series of thermal springs in the
Moapa Valley before continuing on its course to Lake Mead, where it drains into the northern arm of the lake near Overton, Nevada. Before the Hoover Dam's construction, the Muddy River flowed into the Virgin River.[1]
Near the town of Glendale the Muddy River collects the flow from the Meadow Valley Wash, forming the principal drainage system for southeastern Nevada.
Moapa National Wildlife Refuge
The Moapa Valley area is home to a wide variety of rare and endangered species, including fish, invertebrates, birds, and plants. Three endangered fish inhabit the area: the
Gila seminuda), and the White River springfish
(Crenichthys baileyi moapae). These species can be found throughout the various springs, called the Muddy Springs, that feed the Muddy River.
The
Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex. In another effort to help protect and preserve the fragile habitats in the Muddy Springs area, the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) and various environmental associations have organized an effort to conserve these species.[2]
History
The area was part of the Native American
Southern Paiute language word meaning "muddy"; although "Moapa River" was formerly the official name, local usage tended to translate the name, and it was made official in 1960.[3]
The
San Bernardino in 1852. By 1855 it had become a cold season freight route between Utah and Southern California
that remained in use in Southern Nevada into the 20th century.
Mormon settlers established several settlements in the Muddy River area in 1864, including the town of St. Thomas, which by 1938 was submerged under Lake Mead until recently. Some of the towns ruins can be still seen during low water levels. Some Paiutes fought to protect and reclaim their homeland. For a variety of reasons, including the harsh climate, unpredictable periods of drought, and a tax dispute with the State of Nevada, the Mormons abandoned the area in 1871.[4]
Many of the LDS people returned to the area in the 1880s and it currently has a substantial LDS population
See also
- Mormon Corridor
- Category: Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex
References
- ^ "The Nature Conservancy - Muddy River/Meadow Valley Wash Project". Archived from the original on December 3, 2008. Retrieved December 2, 2008.
- ^ "Muddy River Research". Archived from the original on October 7, 2008. Retrieved December 2, 2008.
- ^ "Muddy River". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
- ^ "Muddy Mission | ONE". onlinenevada.org.