Parowan in Iron County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Pioneer Industrial Center

Photographed by James Hulse, April 6, 2025

1. Pioneer Industrial Center Marker

Inscription. In 1850, discovery of large deposits of iron ore and coal in this vicinity by Parley P. Pratt, a Mormon leader and explorer, led Brigham Young to plan immediate colonization and development of the entire Southern Utah area. Parowan was established January 13, 1851 as the center of one of the most extensive industrial developments undertaken by the Mormon Pioneers. Following the typical colonization plan, this section was designated as the agricultural base. Some of the pioneers were assigned to farming, stockraising, home building, and other necessary occupations. Others, principally English, Welsh and Scottish emigrants, skilled in mining, smelting and iron working, were located at Cedar City, 19 miles south, nearer the iron and coal deposits. During most of that first winter the settlers - 117 men, 30 women and 18 children, - lived in wagon beds which had been placed in rows on the ground. Four days after its founding, Parowan was established as the county seat of Iron County, and legislative, judicial county and town officers were elected. Shortly thereafter, other settlements were located wherever suitable

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places could be found.

Erected by Utah State Road Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is January 13, 1851.

Location. 37° 50.346′ N, 112° 49.831′ W. Marker is in Parowan, Utah, in Iron County. It is at the intersection of W 200 S (State Road 143) and S 100 W, on the right when traveling west on W 200 S. The marker is located on the side of the log cabin building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 156 100 W, Parowan UT 84761, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Utah’s Color Country. It is also in the American Mountain West

and in Colorado Plateau.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

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 walking distance of this marker: First Iron County Log School House (here, next to this marker); Parowan Cotton Factory

The view of the Pioneer Industrial Center Marker in the park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, April 6, 2025

2. The view of the Pioneer Industrial Center Marker in the park

(within shouting distance of this marker); Center Creek Hydroelectric Power Plant (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Parowan Adobe Fort (about 400 feet away); Jesse N. Smith Home (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Jesse N. Smith Home (about 700 feet away); John C. Freemont Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); D.U.P. Relic Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Parowan.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 14, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 14, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 156 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 14, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.