Welcome to Virgin Valley Heritage Park
Nestled in the heart of downtown Mesquite, Nevada, this historic park stands as a vibrant tribute to the Virgin and Moapa Valley’s enduring spirit, cultural roots, and pioneering legacy.
GALLERY
Panel 1 of the History Panels. Introduction of where the people that founded the Virgin River basin came from.- A view north with Panel 2 that talks about San Bernardino and the Mormon Road.
- A tribute to those who inhabited the land before the white pioneers.
- A northern look at the Founders’ Circle. Ten Founders that made an impact on the Virgin River Basin.
- The bust of Dudley Leavitt, the Co-Founder of Bunkerville.
- The Virgin Valley Heritage Park in downtown Mesquite. The waterfall.
- The bust of Mary Amelia Hamblin, wife of William Haynes Hamblin who settled much of southwestern Utah.
- The Virgin Valley Heritage Park in downtown Mesquite. Facing South.
- The bust of Lemuel Sturtevant Leavitt, brother of Dudley Leavitt and helped found Bunkerville and surrounding towns and communities.
- The bust of Betsy Jane Hamblin. Along side of William Haynes Hamblin, Betsy helped establish Santa Clara, Gunlock, Utah and Cover Valley, Nevada.
- The bust of Jeremiah Leaviitt III who helped establish much of southwestern Utah, which lead to the establishment of the Virgin River Valley settlements.
- The Virgin Valley Heritage Park in downtown Mesquite. A view from the amphitheater.
- The bust of Sarah Priscilla Hamblin, wife of Jacob Hamblin, president of the Indian Mission.
- The Virgin Valley Heritage Park in downtown Mesquite. The Waterfall.
- Bust of Thomas Rowell Leavitt, a scout, settler up and down the Rocky Mountains.
- Family Panel: Dudley Leavitt’s Family Tree
- The bust of Jacob Hamblin, the President of the Indian Mission for Deseret.
- A northern view of the Virgin Valley Heritage Park.
- The bust William Haynes Hamblin, settler of southwest Utah and Clover Valley, Nevada.
- Deseret Fountain Sculpture
- Panel 5 of the History Panels. Events that Influenced the Virgin Valley.
- Family Panel: James Hughes Family Tree
- The bust of Juanita Brooks. A historian and scholar, Juanita preserved the history of many of the settlers in this park.
- The Virgin Valley Heritage Park in downtown Mesquite. The waterfall and creek.
- The Virgin Valley Heritage Park in downtown Mesquite.
- The Virgin Valley Heritage Park in downtown Mesquite.
- The Virgin Valley Heritage Park in downtown Mesquite. The waterfall mural.
- The Virgin Valley Heritage Park in downtown Mesquite. The waterfall mural.
Family Search
You can find all the individuals and families at one convenient location on this family search page:
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Dixie and Ann Leavitt Family and The City of Mesquite Thank the Hundreds who have labored together to bring this park and associated improvements and displays to completion. Their contributions are best acknowledged by thoughtful consideration of the founders of this valley, and their faith, efforts, and sacrifice – and enjoyment of this place. Additional mention is made of these key contributors:
Financial Contributors
Dixie and Anne Leavitt Family Foundation, Anthony (Tony) Burns, Garth Frehner, Rod Leavitt, Ken Hughes Reber, Eugene Hughes, Mike Waite, Charles Arthur and Orilla Leavitt Hughes Family, Michael O. and Jacalyn Leavitt, Dane O. and Ruth Leavitt, Mark O. and Jana Leavitt, Eric O. and Melissa Leavitt, David O. and Chelom Leavitt, Matthew O. and Louise Leavitt
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING & APPROVALS
Dixie and Anne Leavitt Family Foundation
Dixie and Anne Leavitt, Founders
Mark O. Leavitt, President
Mesquite City Councils,
Mayors, and City Staff
Tom Pugh
Brent Drew
Ron Larsen
WRITERS, EDITORS, DISPLAY DESIGN, CONTRIBUTORS & KEY SOURCES
Dixie and Anne Leavitt
Melanie Johnson, Manager
Joey DeGraaf, Design
Ruth Leavitt, Editor
Lyman Hafen
Tyson Snow, Sculptor
Rainbow Sign & Banner
Envirosigns
American Cast Bronze Plaques
Brian Warburton, Writer
Vincent Leavitt, Writer,
Editor, and author of
“Mesquite Flats:
A History of Virgin Valley”
Dorothy Frehner: Author of
“River and the Road”
Francis Hale Leavitt:
Author of Dissertation,
“Effects of Mormonism on Early Clark County”
Graldine White Zarate,
Virgin Valley Historical Community:
Author of “Images of America, Mesquite and the Virgin Valley”
CONSTRUCTION
Wyatt Millea, Sr., Project Manager
Cresent Hardy, Superintendent
Dave Holmes, Blackburn & Associates
Shane Hughes, Kokopelli Landscaping
Teams of craftsmen
SPECIAL THANKS
FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Dixie and Anne Leavitt Foundation
Western Association of Leavitt Families
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
Family Search
History Department
LEAVITT GROUP
Kelly Houser
Jim Douglas
Brett Warby
Chelsea Lake
Eric Leavitt
Dane Leavitt