Page Contents for Mesquite, Nevada

Statistics & Facts

Location

History & History-related items

City Attractions

Government

Chamber of Commerce.

Libraries.

Schools.

Miscellany

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Statistics & Facts

The Nevada state capital is Carson City.
The population of Mesquite is approximately 15,500 (2000), 15276 (2010).
The approximate number of families is 684 (1990), 6378 (2010).
The amount of land area in Mesquite is 37.889 sq. kilometers.
The amount of land area in Mesquite is 11.508 sq. miles.
The amount of surface water is 0.869 sq kilometers.
The distance from Mesquite to Washington DC is 2108 miles.
The distance to the Nevada state capital is 358 miles. (as the crow flies)
Mesquite is positioned 36.80 degrees north of the equator and 114.10 degrees west of the prime meridian.
Mesquite elevation is 1,597 feet above sea level.
Mesquite average annual rainfall is 4.34 inches per year
The average low temperature is 47.5 degrees F.
The average high temperature is 83 degrees F.

Location

in southern Nevada near the Utah and Arizona borders near the banks of the Virgin River just 80 miles north of Las Vegas.
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Weather

Desert-like. There are 133 days each year over 90 degrees and 38 days under 32 degrees. There are 310 wonderful days of sunshine each year! The humidity ranges from an average of 44% in December to a low of 15% in April. Summer humidity runs about 17%.

Here is weather page for Mesquite.
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History & History Related Items

Mesquite was founded in 1880 when Mormon settlers came from St. George, Utah to homestead the north bank of the Virgin River here. Eight families moved here that year in February with seven more families coming in May for a total of 71 people, including women and children. The area they first settled in was known as Mesquite Flat because of the hardwood Mesquite groves. The Native Americans believed the tree to be good luck. They burned mesquite wood like incense, hoping that its pungent scent would beckon spirits to make earthly appearances.

Settling the area was not easy. Before any crops could be grown a six-mile irrigation canal had to be hand-dug, but everyone pitched in and made the work easier. Finally after taking most of the rest of the year, the canal was done, the crops were planted in wheat and cotton. The early settlers had a rough life with a daily diet of bread spread with molasses and some milk. They were able to supplement with meat when it could be found. The river water was good for irrigating and animals, but terrible for drinking. The water had to sit for 12 hours for the mud to settle before it was even close to being drinkable. The canal had its share of ups and downs with 58 breaks during the first year. Annual flooding also contributed to the hardship. Many of the original families left due to the hard work and constant effort it took just to survive.
By 1897, the settlement had finally begun to grow a little after shrinking down to only one family, that of Dudley Leavitt. The water problems were being resolved, especially after several fresh water springs were found in the area.

Here is a history page for Mesquite. More history for Mesquite.
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The settling of Mesquite

1880

The founding of Mesquite

1894

The incorporation of Mesquite

24 May 1984

Attractions

Nevada Welcome Center
460 N. Sandhill Boulevard
Mesquite, NV 89027
Phone: (702) 346-2702
Fax: (702) 346-2709
Toll-free: 1-877-MESQUITE (637-7848)

See Photographs of Mesquite.

Nine national parks, twelve national monuments, six national forests, three national recreation areas and many state parks within a day's drive. Mesquite is a perfect place to stay and plan your trips to surrounding Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon National Parks and Valley of Fire State Park.

This site, Visit Mesquite.com, has good information for Mesquite and the area.

Golf Courses in the area with information and a full description on each one.
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Mesquite City Government

the City of Mesquite

Mesquite City Hall
10 E. Mesquite Blvd.
Mesquite , NV 89024-4706
Phone: 702-346-5295

Mesquite has a Council/Manager form of government, with an elected Mayor and five city council members. The City Manager is hired by the city council.

Mesquite Chamber

Mesquite Chamber of Commerce
850 W. Mesquite Boulevard
Mesquite, Nevada 89027-5202
Phone: 702-346-2902
Fax: 702-346-6138
E-mail: meschamber@sisna.com

Mesquite Organizations

Mesquite Chamber of Commerce
850 W. Mesquite Boulevard
Mesquite, Nevada 89027-5202
Phone: 702-346-2902
Fax: 702-346-6138
E-mail: meschamber@sisna.com

Mesquite Libraries

Clark Co Library-Mesquite Branch
121 W 1st St N
Mesquite, NV 89027
Phone: 702-346-5224

Mesquite Schools

Clark County School District
Clark County School District
2832 East Flamingo Rd.
Las Vegas, NV 89121

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Virgin Valley Elementary School
150 N Yucca St
Mesquite, NV 89027-4735
Phone: 702-346-5761

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Virgin Valley High School
820 Valley View Dr
Mesquite, NV 89027-3105
Phone: 702-346-2780 Mesquite

Miscellany

The population of Mesquite was:
1970 - 674
1975 - 808
1980 - 922
1985 - 1,270
1990 - 1,960
1995 - 5,120
2000 - 15,500
(These figures are from the city of Mesquite's website)

The population is expected to continue growing at a rapid rate with projections as follows:
2005 - 21,600
2008 - 25,750