Temple Bar

Temple Bar Marina - 2005

Kingman. The miners picked up their mail at Rioville.

Temple Bar: From Gritty Gold Rush to Lake Escape

Imagine being in the late 1800s, where the American West was still wild, and everyone was on the lookout for gold. That's the scene at Temple Bar, a place with a story full of grit and transformation.

The Mormon Temple

The Gold Rush Era (1894-1898):

Back then, Temple Bar was a hot spot for gold seekers. The Temple Bar Mining Company set up operations with one goal: finding placer gold, which is gold mixed with river gravel. But this wasn't just a stroll in the park. To get the gold, they needed a lot of timber to keep their tunnels from collapsing. At first, they tried to use driftwood from the nearby river, but it wasn't nearly enough. So, what did they do? They had to transport massive logs from Kingman, Arizona, which was no small task. Picture trying to haul heavy timbers across the scorching desert-those miners were tough and determined.

The Mail Mission:

Life out at Temple Bar wasn't exactly convenient. The miners couldn't just drop by a post office nearby because there wasn't one! Instead, they had to travel to a tiny settlement called Rioville to pick up their mail. No quick emails or texts back then-just long, dusty trips to get a letter from home. It really makes you appreciate how connected we are today.

What's in a Name?

The area got its name thanks to Daniel Bonelli, one of the early pioneers in the region. He named it "The Mormon Temple" because many of the settlers were Mormons, and the name eventually stuck as Temple Bar. It's a small but important detail that shows how the people who lived there shaped the identity of the place.

Temple Bar Today:

Fast forward to now, and Temple Bar is something completely different. The gold rush days are long gone, and in their place, you'll find the Temple Bar Marina, a go-to spot for anyone looking to have some fun on Lake Mead. People now come here to boat, fish, and soak up the sun, a far cry from the rugged, hard-working days of the miners. It's pretty amazing how a place that was once all about survival and striking it rich is now a hub for relaxation and recreation.