Rancho Oakey in Las Vegas in Clark County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)

First Water Company

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, September 26, 2011

1. First Water Company Marker

Inscription. 1905 - 1908
City of Las Vegas
Diamond Jubilee
From within this area flowing artesian springs and wells provided the lifeblood to the valley and it settlers.
This abundant supply of water has been the most important asset in the establishment, development and growth of the city of Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Valley.

Erected 1980.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Resources. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.

Location. 36° 9.566′ N, 115° 11.519′ W. Marker is in Las Vegas, Nevada, in Clark County. It is in Rancho Oakey. It can be reached from the intersection of South Valley View Boulevard and West Charleston Boulevard. Marker is in the southwest corner of the parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1001 South Valley View Boulevard, Las Vegas NV 89153, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Mojave Desert.

It is also in the American Southwest

and in the Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically,

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it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Old Well Tower #10 (a few steps from this marker); Las Vegas Springs (approx. ¾ mile away); a different marker also named Las Vegas Springs (approx. ¾ mile away); Las Vegas (The Meadows) (approx. 0.8 miles away); Tap Into History (approx. 0.8 miles away); Intake No. 3 Project - 2015 (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Big Spring (approx. one mile away); Early Las Vegas (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Las Vegas.

Regarding First Water Company. The following text is from a 2005 Centennial Marker that is missing.

Water
The San Pedro, Salt Lake and Los Angeles Railroad bought Helen Stewart's Las Vegas Ranch in 1902, giving it control of the Las Vegas Springs and the water supply needed for the creation of Las Vegas in 1905. The railroad's subsidiary, the Las Vegas Land and Water Company, regulated water use. Early delivery to residents was inconsistent, often due to the use of redwood pipes. The valley was dotted with artesian wells;

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, September 26, 2011

2. First Water Company Marker

unfortunately many were uncapped, contributing to the depletion of the water table. The building of Hoover Dam and Lake Mead in the 1930s eventually provided a permanent, stable water supply for the valley. The Las Vegas Land and Water Company sold the facilities and rights to the Las Vegas Valley Water District in 1954. After some delays, Lake Mead water finally flowed into Las Vegas by 1955. The availability of water, always critical in the growth of Las Vegas, continues to determine the valley's future.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, September 26, 2011

3. First Water Company Marker

Marker is on the left by the tree.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2011, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,065 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 5, 2011, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.