Bicknell in Wayne County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Mountain Setting and Early Native Americans

Photographed by James Hulse, April 4, 2025

1. Mountain Setting and Early Native Americans Marker

Inscription. Located in "Rabbit Valley" at 7,125 feet elevation. Bicknell is surrounded by four mountains and is 17 miles west of Capitol Reef National Park. Fish Lake Mountain on the north, Thousand Lake Mountain on the northeast and Boulder Mountain on the South are all approximately 11,000 feet. Parker Mountain on the west is 9,820 feet. Bicknell's immediate surroundings are rugged, being characterized by mountains, hills, massive ledges and canyons. The Ant Hill on the East provides a distinct landmark that can't be missed. The Fremont River runs through beautiful pastures immediately below town.

Paleo-Indians were the first inhabitants of this area, dating back several thousand years. Paleo-Indians lived in caves and used pointed projectiles to hunt animals. Beginning about 2000 years ago, the Fremont and the Anasazi (Ancestral Puebloan) people moved into this area. They were hunter-gatherers, but incorporated farming, community living, and pit houses as they settled into less nomadic lives.

About the year 1400, the Ute and Paiute tribes (Numic language speakers) occupied this region. They were here when the early explorers

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and Mormon Pioneers came to Wayne County.

Captions
(Photo #1) Ancient Pictographs
(Photo #2) Anasazi artifacts and remnants
(Photo #3) Aerial view of Bicknell's spectacular setting
(Photo #4) Anasazi pit house

Erected 2020 by Bicknell Town.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Indigenous Peoples and Communities. A significant historical year for this entry is 1400.

Location. 38° 20.452′ N, 111° 33.081′ W. Marker is in Bicknell, Utah, in Wayne County. It is at the intersection of West Main Street (Utah Route 24) and S 400 W, on the left when traveling west on West Main Street. The marker is located at the Bicknell Veterans & Heritage Memorial Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 385 W Main St, Bicknell UT 84715, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Canyon Country.

It is also in the American Mountain West,

in Colorado Plateau,

and at the Four Corners.

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

Mountain Setting and Early Native Americans Marker (right side) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, April 4, 2025

2. Mountain Setting and Early Native Americans Marker (right side)

Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Downwinders (here, next to this marker); Women and Education (here, next to this marker); Culinary and Irrigation Water (here, next to this marker); Major Bicknell Livelihoods (here, next to this marker); Bicknell Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Bicknell Town History (a few steps from this marker); Early LDS Church Influence and A.K. Thurber (a few steps from this marker); Early Roads and Wagons (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bicknell.

Photographed by James Hulse, April 4, 2025

3. Mountain Setting and Early Native Americans Marker

The marker is the first marker from the right side.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 4, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 105 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 4, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 2, 3. submitted on May 5, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.