Sandy Tudor greeted the guests behind the history museum on Friday, April 10, handing out Senior Games bags and water. One of the guests, an 11-year-old, was there with her mother. “I just want to learn,” she said. Her father heard about the tour and encouraged her and her mother to attend. 

Mary Phalen, curator of the Mesquite Museum, led the short tour, pointing out the various historical markers and giving a history of the local landmarks. The Virgin Valley Heritage Museum was originally built in 1939, serving as a library and as a branch of the Southern Nevada Hospital and Clinic before becoming the museum in 1985. In 1991, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Tammy Meirhoff joined Phalen, offering more historical insights into Mesquite’s history. They brought to life the Abbot Way Station and JE Hughes and Sons General Store. In 1975, Louise Nelson operated the Valley Inn and Steakhouse. “I actually worked there,” Meirhoff said, “and the steaks were delicious!” In 1995, it was torn down, and the present-day Golden West Restaurant took its place.

The tour’s next stop was the statue of William Elias Abbot and Mary Jane Leavitt Abbot, some of the founders of the third and successful attempt to settle the Mesquite Flats. Settler’s Square and the original public square were the next stops before the final destination: Virgin Valley Heritage Park. The park was the highlight of the tour.

“I love listening to Mary,” one of the guests stated. “She is so informative.”

Everyone was pleased with the tour and enjoyed their lunch provided by Desert Gold Realty. Sitting in the garden, they could view the Five Founders Fountain under a covered canopy.