St. George in Washington County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)
The Confluence of the Santa Clara and Virgin Rivers
Photographed By Jeremy Snow, February 13, 2024
1. The Confluence of the Santa Clara and Virgin Rivers Marker
In November 1849 a little-known expedition was sent by Brigham Young to explore southern Utah for possible future settlement. This fifty-man party was led by Apostle Parley P. Pratt.
On Tuesday, January 1, 1850, twenty horse-mounted members of this party made camp near the confluence of the Santa Clara and Virgin Rivers. This historic event was mentioned in their journals and the union of these rivers can be seen from this marker. After their long, difficult winter journey that at times required struggling through snow. up to four feet deep, they brought back descriptions and information that soon led to the settling of southern Utah.
In his report to the territorial legislature Pratt wrote:
"I arrived home on Wednesday evening, the 30th of Jan, having been absent ten weeks. The pack company arrived soon after, some with frozen limbs but I believe generally in good health and Spirits.
I now wish to bear witness of the fifty who accompanied me on this expedition, and to have them in honorable remembrance... I have never seen men placed in circumstances better calculated to try their utmost strength and patience. And at one time, another half-mile of deep snow intervening between them and camp would have caused every man to sink exhausted without being able to force their way anylonger.
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They are first-rate men, and I have promised to remember them for the very next undertaking which requires toil, labor and sacrifice."
I have the honor to subscribe myself your obedient servant.
Parley P. Pratt
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.
Location. 37° 4.481′ N, 113° 34.996′ W. Marker is in St. George, Utah, in Washington County. Marker is on Crosby Family Park Parking Lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2099 S Convention Center Drive, Saint George UT 84790, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Old Spanish Trail (here, next to this marker); Monument to the Flood of 2005 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Southern Exploring Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Tonaquint (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jedediah Strong Smith (about 300 feet away); Brigham Young's Vision (about 400 feet away); Utah Is Rich in Aviation History (approx. one mile away); Virgin River Pump Station (approx. 1.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. George.
Photographed By Jeremy Snow, February 13, 2024
2. The Confluence of the Santa Clara and Virgin Rivers Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 19, 2024, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. This page has been viewed 37 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 19, 2024, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
