National Register Listing

Johnson Ranch House

a.k.a. 42GR5198; Lower Ora Can on Stone Cabin

Hastings Rd. 21 mi NW of Crescent Junction, Crescent Junction, UT
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Exploration/settlemen

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2018.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture houses residential buildings
The state's first newspaper, the Deseret News, was first published in 1850 by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The newspaper is still in circulation today.
Utah random facts
Grand County, UT is located in the southeastern part of the state and has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Ute and Paiute peoples for thousands of years. These tribes lived off the land, relying on hunting, gathering, and farming for sustenance.

The region gained prominence in the 1800s with the arrival of European settlers and prospectors. In the mid-1800s, Mormon pioneers entered the area, establishing the town of Moab in 1855. They primarily engaged in farming and livestock, using the Colorado River for irrigation. However, the isolated nature of the region limited its growth and development.

The late 1800s brought a shift in economic activities as mining became a significant industry in Grand County. Deposits of uranium, vanadium, and other minerals were discovered, attracting numerous miners and entrepreneurs. Mining operations, along with the arrival of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad, spurred growth and increased the population.

The 20th century saw further development and diversification in the county. The establishment of Arches National Monument in 1929 and its subsequent upgrade to a national park in 1971 brought increased tourism to the area. The stunning rock formations and natural beauty of the park continue to be a major draw for visitors worldwide. Today, Grand County thrives on a mix of tourism, mining, agriculture, and outdoor recreation, maintaining its unique blend of natural wonders and historical significance.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Grand County, Utah.

  • 1840s: Early exploration and trapping by European Americans.
  • 1869: John Wesley Powell leads the first documented expedition through the area, mapping the Green and Colorado Rivers.
  • 1871: Settlement begins in Moab, the future county seat.
  • 1880s: Ranching and mining become important industries in the area.
  • 1890: Grand County is officially established by the Utah Territorial Legislature.
  • 1911: Uranium deposits discovered, leading to a boom in mining activity.
  • 1950s: Construction of the Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River creates Lake Powell, bringing tourism to the region.
  • 1964: Arches National Monument is redesignated as Arches National Park.
  • 1971: Canyonlands National Park is established.
  • 1980s: Off-road vehicle use becomes a popular recreational activity in the county.
  • 1991: The Hells Revenge Trail is designated as an official off-road vehicle trail.
  • 2000s: The county experiences a population growth and increased tourism.