Cedar City in Iron County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Legacies of Iron County
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 29, 2016
1. Legacies of Iron County Marker
Iron County exists because those who lived here developed the resources necessary for survival in this desert climate. The three legacies passed down by early settlers and their descendants — agriculture, mining, and railroads — are represented here.
Agriculture, symbolized by the hay derrick, became the foundation of the local community. When early mining operations ceased, Iron County residents turned to sheep and cattle to provide needed trade goods. Today, the region still has a vibrant and expanding agricultural lifestyle.
Mining, represented by the ore shovel, is the industry that began it all, proving to be the initial motive for settlement. In 1923, the mines began producing ore by the tons and elevated Iron County to one of the richest counties in Utah for nearly 50 years. Recently, the mines have reopened and the tradition continues.
Railroads, signified by the caboose, proved pivotal for this community. Freight trains were able to haul more raw materials than ever before, increasing profits for the mining companies. Rail traffic also brought thousands of tourists to the area each year to
this page online
Frontier Homestead State Park invites you to explore, discover, and remember the legacies that transformed our community. They are a testament to our past and guideposts to our future.
Erected by Frontier Homestead State Park Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1923.
Location. 37° 41.317′ N, 113° 3.736′ W. Marker is in Cedar City, Utah, in Iron County. Marker is on North Main Street (Utah Route 130) south of Iron Mission Parkway (West 685 North), on the right when traveling south. Marker is located within Frontier Homestead State Park, just south of the giant Ore Shovel exhibit, near the museum front entrance on North Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 635 North Main Street, Cedar City UT 84721, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Hay Derrick (here, next to this marker); The Ore Shovel (a few steps from this marker); The Caboose (within shouting distance of this marker); Cedar City Historic Pioneer Cemetery Wall
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 29, 2016
2. Legacies of Iron County Marker (wide view; Ore Shovel exhibit in background)
More about this marker. Marker is a painted metal plaque, mounted horizontally on a waist-high metal post.
Regarding Legacies of Iron County. The Dominguez-Escalante expedition traveled through the area on October 12, 1776, on its unsuccessful search for a route to central California. Fur trapper Jedediah S. Smith was the first Anglo-American to visit present Iron County during his amazing journey of 1826. Mormon settlers dispatched by Brigham Young established Parowan in January 1851 as the mother colony of the southern frontier. Cedar City (originally Coal Creek) was founded the same year.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Frontier Homestead State Park
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 29, 2016
3. Frontier Homestead State Park Museum sign & Hay Derrick
(located near marker)
(located near marker)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 30, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 4, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 152 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 4, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
