Mining was an integral part of the economy of St. Thomas. Gold, silver, copper and other precious minerals were shipped in from all the surrounding mining camps. Silica sand however was also an important resource that helped this economy grow and is still a part of the community today.
The St. Thomas spur once ran all the way down to the town of St. Thomas. With the times most technologically advanced mode of transporting freight, mining began to flourish in this community. However the tracks were pulled up with the advancing waters of the newly created Lake Mead. The terminus of the St. Thomas railroad was now roughly five miles north at what is today the Simplot sand mine.
The remnants of the old sand mill can be seen as the water of Lake Mead have receded and have exposed the foundations of this once growing mining operation.
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