Brigham Young Historic Home
Brigham Young is known as the great colonizer of the west. He led members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) to Utah and then directed the establishment of communities (settlements) in many parts of the west. In his later years, he became one of the original snowbirds, leaving Salt Lake City in each of the winters of 1974-77 to live in St. George, where the temperatures were mild. He directed the affairs of the church from St. George during these times. His home is available for tours on a daily basis and is one of many historic sites in the St. George area that are open to the public. Click here for more information.
Directions: Go west on Highway 9 and then south on I-15 (7 miles) to exit #8. Go right (west) on St. George Boulevard until you come to 200 East and then turn right and go to 100 North. The home is located on the corner of 100 North and 200 East in St. George, Utah.
Grafton Ghost Town
This town was settled in the mid 1860’s and the people who lived here struggled with life along the Virgin River. The river overflowed its banks many times and this along with trouble with Indians caused many people to give up on life in this area. There is a cemetery and a few structures that still remain. The most prominent building is the old adobe school house which has undergone a significant restoration effort by citizens of the region.
Directions: Go east on Highway 9 (11 miles) to Hurricane. Follow the signs east and then north to LaVerkin where you will turn right and go up onto a plateau. Follow the road east through Virgin and then to Rockville. In Rockville, find the small street sign on the south side of the road (east end of town) that is labeled “Grafton.” This is Old Bridge Road and leads across an old Iron Bridge and then follows a dirt road back to the west for a couple of miles. You’ll see the cemetery on your left as you near the old town.
Jacob Hamblin Historic Home
Jacob Hamblin was best known as a great friend to the Indians. He is also credited for being one of the first pioneers to explore the Washington County area. He was very instrumental in bringing peace between the pioneers and Indians of southern Utah and northern Arizona. His home is available for tours on a daily basis. Click here for more information.
Directions: Go west on Highway 9 and then south on I-15 (7 miles) to exit #8. Go right (west) on St. George Boulevard until you come to Bluff Street. Turn right and go north to Sunset Boulevard. Turn left and follow Sunset to the town of Santa Clara. The Jacob Hamblin home is at the west of the town on the right side of road.
St. George Tabernacle
Constructed in the 1800’s, the St. George Tabernacle seats 1,200 and continues to be a popular location for many gatherings. In 1993, much of the tabernacle was restored to resemble, as closely as possible, its original state. Today, the tabernacle is home to church services, daily music recitals, and the weekly Dixie History and Music Series. Click here for more information.
Directions: Go west on Highway 98 and then south on I-15 (7 miles) to exit #8. Go right (west) on St. George Boulevard until you come to Main Street. Turn left (south) and go 1 block.
St. George LDS Temple
In 1871, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) began construction on a temple which was completed in 1877. A temple is not a regular meeting house but is reserved for special rites and is accessible only to qualified members of the faith. The grounds of the temple offer a large visitor center with presentations that explain the tenets of the church. Open daily, the center is the most visited historic site in the region. Click here for more information.
Directions: Go west on Highway 9 and then south on I-15 (7 miles) to exit #8. Go right (west) on St. George Boulevard until you come to 400 east. Turn left (south) and travel 5 blocks south and then turn right (1 block). The Temple (large white building) is visible as you travel throughout the community of St. George.
Silver Reef Ghost Town
Silver was discovered in 1873 in sandstone rock formations just a few miles north of Coral Ridge. The discovery was the first and only time silver has been found in sandstone in North America. Soon the town of Silver Reef was established and miners came from far and wide. For a ten year period, the town of Silver Reef was the largest in southern Utah. Chinese, Irish, Welsh and many others filled the town as miners or as providers of needed services. Saloons, hotels, restaurants, and all the necessary businesses were found at Silver Reef. By the late 1880's, the silver mines were producing poorly and another ghost town was born. Today some of the historic buildings have been partially restored and visitors may tour the area and a few of the buildings.
Directions: Go north on I-15 to Leeds and continue north through town and at the north end of town go under the freeway to Silver Reef. Follow the road signs left to the old buildings.
