National Register Listing

Kanab (Union Pacific) Lodge

a.k.a. Parry Cafeteria,; Utah Parks Co. Building,

86 S 200 W, Kanab, UT
Local significance of the building:
Entertainment/recreation; Commerce

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

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.

The state's official bird is the California gull, which was declared the state bird in 1955. The gull is credited with helping early Mormon settlers by eating the insects that were destroying their crops.
Utah random facts
Kane County, Utah is located in the southwestern part of the state and has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American groups, including the Paiute and Anasazi tribes, who left behind ancient petroglyphs and cliff dwellings as evidence of their presence. European explorers and traders first arrived in the region in the 18th century, with Spanish expeditions venturing through the area.

In the mid-19th century, Mormon settlers began to establish communities in the region. The southern portion of Kane County was settled by Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young, who sought to establish an agricultural society based on their religious beliefs. The town of Kanab, which would become the county seat, was founded in 1864 by Mormon leader Levi Stewart.

The early settlers faced challenges such as droughts, harsh winters, and conflicts with Native American tribes. However, they persevered and developed a thriving agricultural industry, with ranching and farming becoming the mainstays of the local economy. The settlers also established schools, churches, and other essential community institutions.

Over time, Kane County has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and tourists due to its stunning natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The county is home to several national parks and monuments, including Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. These natural wonders continue to draw visitors from around the world, contributing significantly to the county's economy through tourism and outdoor recreation.

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

  • 1776 - Kane County is part of the Spanish Empire's northern boundary
  • 1776-1848 - Kane County is part of Mexico after gaining independence from Spain
  • 1848 - Kane County becomes part of the United States after the Mexican-American War
  • 1864 - Kanab, the county seat, is settled by Mormon pioneers
  • 1872 - Kane County is officially established by the Utah Territory legislature
  • 1902-1904 - Construction of the historic Johnson Canyon and Gray Canyon Dams
  • 1937 - Bryce Canyon National Park is established, including part of Kane County
  • 1940s - Kane County becomes a popular filming location for Hollywood westerns
  • 1996 - Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is established, covering a large portion of Kane County