Mormon Pioneers Along the Little Colorado River

Mormon Pioneers Along the Little Colorado River. . Answering the Church's Call , In January of 1876, Brigham Young, the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, announced his plan to establish Mormon colonies in the Arizona Territory. In the months that followed, more than 200 Church members traveled from their homes in Utah to this part of the Little Colorado River valley. Lot Smith and eighteen other men built Sunset Fort in the river valley below this hill. Jessie O. Ballenger's company built Brigham City across the river. George Lake and William Allen established the settlements of Obed and Joseph City farther upstream. , Life at Sunset Fort , Families at Sunset Fort lived collectively, and property was held in common. Men worked together building dams, farming, and raising livestock. Women prepared meals in a shared kitchen, and everyone ate in the community dining hall. , These pioneers faced many hardships, including drought, disease, and floods that destroyed their dams and fields. Many families lost loved ones who were laid to rest in this cemetery. By 1888 Sunset Fort was entirely abandoned. The buildings were eventually swept away by the river. , Map , This map identifies the families that lived at Sunset Fort in 1881.