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12 HISTORY & HERITAGE
2019
Histories
Washington
County
www.washco.utah.gov
In 1852, Washington County was established in territorial Utah. Previously the Paiute Indians were the only inhabitants. Before the Paiutes, the Anasazi Nation inhabited the area from as early as 200 BC and disappeared around 1300 AD. The county was named after George Washington, with the boundaries stretching nearly 600 miles. In 1842. Brigham Young, Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter-
Day Saints, sent Parley P. Pratt and fifty men from Northern Utah to explore the area. Pratt encouraged settlement, and within a few years the area started to grow rapidly, along with the production of cotton. Between 1852 and 1862, several small settlements were established.
St. George
www.sgcity.org
Nestled in majestic red rock bluffs, St. George was settled by pioneers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The Prophet Brigham Young sent pioneers from northern Utah to settle the land. Many of the pioneers had come from the South with experience in growing cotton.
A very industrious people, pioneers also produced dried fruit, molasses, and silk. Mulberry trees were planted to feed the silk worms, and in colder months, women and children even carried the worms in their pockets
to keep them warm! St. George was named in honor of the apostle George A. Smith of The Church Of Jesus
Christ of Latter-Day Saints, who was known for urging settlers to eat raw, unpeeled potatoes to cure scurvy.
Today—as the hub of Southern Utah—St. George is ranked in several publications as the top retirement location in the nation. With its warm climate, access to several National and State Parks, golf courses, excellent education, varied cultural opportunities, and annual events
like the St. George Marathon and Huntsman Senior Games—St. George appeals to an active and diverse population.
Washington City
www.washingtoncity.org
Washington City was the first town established in the Virgin basin. Settlers
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints arrived in 1857 and were the forerunners of “Utah’s Dixie.” Situated south of the Virgin River,
the first several years were very lean as they struggled with lack of water and then repeated flooding, up until the Washington Field Dam was built in 1891. The cotton factory was built in 1865, which contributed greatly
to their eventual success. Today Washington City is thriving with new growth and a steady influx of retirees who enjoy the beautiful landscape, mild winters, warm climate, and friendly people.
Santa Clara
www.sccity.org
In 1854, Brigham Young sent Jacob Hamblin to befriend the Paiute Na- tion and his group settled around the Santa Clara River. In 1861, Swiss families of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints arrived to settle Santa Clara, and cultivated the land as it became the fruit and vegetable garden for Washington County. Today Santa Clara is still the “garden spot” of Washington County and continues a strong sense of heritage through its landmarks and annual Swiss Days Celebration.
Ivins
www.ivins.com
Settled by Swiss immigrants of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Ivins came to life in 1922. The people farmed using water brought via a canal from the Santa Clara River, while culinary water came from Snow Canyon Springs. Ivins was named after Anthony W. Ivins, who endeared himself to the people through his missionary work with the American Indians. Ivins is a growing community near Snow Canyon and nestled at the base of the majestic Red Mountain.
LaVerkin
www.laverkin.org
There are several theories as to
how LaVerkin got its name. It has been stated that LaVerkin is Native American for “Beautiful Valley.” That theory comes from handwritten maps from early trappers. From early on the creek was known as Beaver Skin Creek. Some theorize that because
of poor writing and spelling skills,
it deteriorated to LeaverSkin to Lavinskind and finally to LaVerkin.
The building of the Hurricane, and LaVerkin Canals had a lot to do with
See Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm
the establishment of the community. In order to bring water to the area, the canal was drilled through the mountain and coated with a new marvelous material called concrete to help the limestone and sandstone from washing away.
Hurricane
www.cityofhurricane.com
Hurricane was settled in 1906 when Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hinton became the first residents there. Once irrigation was organized Hurricane’s fertile acres became favorable farmland. It became a great place for growing fruit and other produce, and was later nicknamed, “The Fruit Basket of Southern Utah.” Hurricane is one of the largest and fastest growing towns in the county.
Toquerville
www.toquerville.org
The Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Brigham Young, sent men to settle areas
in Southern Utah. In 1858, about
six families came and settled in Toquerville. This name comes from the Indian word “toquer” meaning black, for the black rock found on the hill east of the new town. The village came to be compared to an oasis
in the Arabian Desert, as a traveler emerges from the harsh desert to the lush green town. The community values its heritage, outdoor activities, and family-oriented positive atmosphere.
HISTORY & HERITAGE