Central Valley in Sevier County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Trader and Explorer Trails

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, September 29, 2018

1. Trader and Explorer Trails Marker

Inscription. The Old Spanish Trail, supposedly the “longest, crookedest, mot arduous pack mule route in the history of America,” passed through this valley. Launched in the late 18th century the trail was used by caravans from New Mexico carrying blankets to trade for horses and mules in California.

in 1826 the famous fur trader and explorer, Jedediah Smith, led a band of trappers through the region. Seeking food beaver hunting grounds and attempting to learn more about the geography of the area, the party continued west to California and made the first overland crossing of the continent from the American frontier.

This valley and much of southern Utah were explored for settlement in 1849 by a company of 50 men led by the Mormon Apostle Parley P. Pratt. The party made systematic observation of land, mineral, and water resources. Following their recommendations, Mormon colonies were established in Juab, Pahvant, Utah, Sanpete, and Little Salt Lake Valleys.

Erected by Utah State Department of Highways.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Exploration. A significant historical year for this entry is 1826.

Location. 38° 42.209′ N, 112° 5.965′ W. Marker is in Central Valley, Utah, in Sevier County. It is at the intersection

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of South Central Boulevard and Center Street, on the right when traveling north on South Central Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Monroe UT 84754, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Central Utah Valleys. It is also in the American Mountain West

and in Colorado Plateau.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Our Town ~ Old Inverury (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Settlement of Annabella (approx. 2.1 miles away); Elsinore (approx. 2.9 miles away); Richfield Presbyterian Church and School (approx. 4.3 miles away); Fort Omni – Richfield (approx. 4.4 miles away); Academy Hall (approx. 4½ miles away); Richfield Carnegie Library (approx. 4.6 miles away); Richfield Pioneers (approx. 4.8 miles away).

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, September 29, 2018

2. Trader and Explorer Trails Marker

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, September 29, 2018

3. Trader and Explorer Trails Marker

View north on Central Boulevard.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 6, 2020, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 353 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 6, 2020, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona.