Caliente Sites

“Lincoln County was not far behind Clark County sites in terms of federal funds spent on park developments. The county received approval for a fair share of state-operated recreational facilities that’s to the collective efforts of the county commission, the Caliente Chamber of Commerce, state senator L.L. Burt, and Congressman Scrugham. Lincoln County was anxious to promote its little-known natural attractions, including the intense red spires and erosional features at Cathedral Gorge. After purchasing park properties with federal Public Works appropriations funds, Congressman Scrugham and Senator McCarran secured a CCC camp for Panaca to build new parks. A full company...

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) developed what is locally known as the "Mathews Drop structure" northeast of Caliente, Nevada. Its construction was meant to "stop gully erosion along the Meadow Valley Wash, slowing floodwaters and stopping head-cutting along a portion of the Meadow Valley Wash north of Caliente."   The Mathews Drop Dam was so effective that, after many years, Panaca Meadows replaced the huge erosion gully cutting through the valley.

A waterworks/sewer construction project in Caliente, Nevada was undertaken during the Great Depression with the aid of federal Public Works Administration (PWA) funds. The PWA supplied a $15,750 grant for the project, whose total cost was $61,304. Work occurred between January and December 1936. (PWA Docket No. NV 2904)