Iron County, Utah
Caretaker's Cabin
Cedar City Historic District
Cedar City Railroad Depot
Ensign-Smith House
Lyman, William and Julia, House
Meeks-Green Farmstead
Modena Elementary School
Old Irontown
Old Main and Science Buildings
Page, Daniel R. and Sophia G., House
Parowan Meetinghouse
Smith, Jesse N., House
US Post Office-Cedar City Main
Visitor Center
Wood, George H., House
A Lasting Legacy
Ashdown Gorge Wilderness
Birthplace of Southern Utah
Cedar City Founder
Cedar City Historic Pioneer Cemetery Wall
Cedar City Railroad Depot
Cedar City Tabernacle
Chaffin Grist Mill
Cinder Cone - Lava Flows
D.U.P. Relic Hall
Deseret Iron Works
Ellen (Nellie) Purcell Unthank
Enoch Schoolhouse and Tithing Office
Escalante Trail
First Cedar Encampment
First School House and Council House in Iron County
Fort Cedar
Fort Kanarra
Hamilton Fort
Henry W. Lunt
Heroine of China
Hornet Hill Monument
Jesse N. Smith Home
John C. Freemont Memorial
Johnson's Fort
Jones Iron Works Park
Legacies of Iron County
Listen! Can You Hear the Echoes?
Memorial to Horace and Hannah Leavitt Fish
Old Brickyards
Old Comedy Hall
Old Irontown
Paragonah Fort
Paragonah Town Square
Parley P. Pratt
Parowan Cotton Factory
Paulina Eliza Phelps Lyman
Pioneer Iron Works Blast Furnace
Pioneer Rock Church
Pioneer Stockman
Pioneer Sundial
Public Works
Richard Harrison
South Rim of the Great Basin
Southern Expedition, 1849-1850
Southern Utah Expedition of 1849
Sylvanus Cyrus Hulet
The Caboose
The Casting of the Lots
The Founding of Southern Utah University
The Hay Derrick
The Ore Shovel
The Social Hall
The Spanish Trail
The Tithing Lot and Relief Society Hall
Ward Hall
William and Julia Lyman House
In 1851, Parowan was settled and became the first permanent settlement in Iron County. The town quickly grew as more Mormon settlers arrived, and it became an important agricultural and social center in the region. Parowan is also notable for its beautifully preserved historical buildings from the 19th century.
Iron mining played a significant role in the history of Iron County. In the late 1800s, large iron deposits were discovered in the region, leading to the establishment of mining towns like Cedar City and Iron Springs. These towns experienced a boom as mining operations brought an influx of people and economic prosperity to the area. Cedar City became the county seat in 1893, and it remains an important city in Iron County today.
Throughout the 20th century, Iron County continued to develop and diversify its economy. The mining industry remained prominent, but other industries such as agriculture, tourism, and education also became significant contributors to the local economy. Today, Iron County is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including Cedar Breaks National Monument and Brian Head Ski Resort, which attract visitors from far and wide.
In summary, Iron County, Utah's history is marked by the settlement of pioneers, the discovery of iron deposits, and the growth of vibrant towns. From its early days as a settlement for Mormon pioneers, to the booming mining industry, and its present-day status as a tourist destination, Iron County has continuously evolved and adapted to the changing times.
Brief timeline of the history of Iron County, Utah:
- 1850: Iron County was settled by Mormon pioneers.
- 1851: Parowan was established by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) as the first permanent settlement in Iron County.
- 1852: Iron County became a separate entity, with its own government and organization.
- 1855: The Iron Mission was established in Iron County, focusing on iron mining and production.
- 1857: The Mormon Pioneer Trail passed through Iron County, bringing many settlers to the area.
- 1861: The town of Cedar City was founded in Iron County.
- 1893: The first train arrived in Cedar City, connecting Iron County to the national transportation network.
- 1951: Southern Utah State College (now Southern Utah University) was established in Cedar City.
- 1967: Cedar Breaks National Monument was designated, showcasing the unique natural beauty of Iron County.
- 1990: The population of Iron County surpassed 20,000 residents.
- 2019: Iron County celebrated its 170th anniversary since its founding.
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Iron County, Utah.