Page 93 - KNB19

4 AREA HISTORY
2019
Southern Utah’s Kane County, on the Utah/Arizona border, offers a rich western history and abundant scenic wonders for the whole family to enjoy.
Kane County
Native American Southern Paiutes historically lived in the area of Kane County. With settlers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints making their home in the Salt Lake Valley, church President Brigham Young sent Levi Stewart in 1870 to settle Kane County. A majority of the residents became farmers and ranchers. Due
to the many films made in Kanab in the 1930s,
the town became known as “Little Hollywood”.
Consequently, a tourist center was assembled to meet the needs
of the growing number of visitors flocking to see the town and the charms of Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, and Grand Canyon National Park. Population numbers increased in Kanab in 1956 in reaction to the construction of Glen Canyon Dam. Coal reserves hold the County’s most important resource in the Kaiparowits Plateau and Alton Fields. Annually the Western Legends Roundup and Western Film Festival celebrate the area’s their rich history (see page 2).
Visit: kane.utah.gov
Alton
Alton lies at the base of the scenic Sunset Cliffs, 20-miles northeast of Glendale. It was an outgrowth of nearby Upper Kanab. Alton was first called “Roundy’s Station” after Wesley Roundy and his family. He had built two log cabins, but because of some conflict with the Native Americans, he was forced to abandon his ranch site. In 1912, a drawing was held at a community social and Alton became the official name. Today most of Alton’s residents work elsewhere or manage livestock. They are understandably proud of their friendly, enchanting community.
Kane County Courthouse, 1963
AREA HISTORY
Alton Coal Mine