Kanab in Kane County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Dr. George Russell Aiken

Photographed by Jeremy Snow, June 3, 2025

1. Dr. George Russell Aiken Marker

Inscription.
Dr. George Russell Aiken was one of Kanab's most beloved citizens. Born in Ohio on April 7, 1896, he graduated from Ohio State University Medical School in 1921, the same year he married Juanita (Nita) Hauer. After practicing medicine in Dayton Kentucky, the Aikens moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, because of Juanita's health. They then went to Hurricane, Utah. By 1930 they had found their way to Kanab where the young doctor began helping people in all the ways he could without any medical facilities. Throughout Kane County, he visited patients in their homes, often traveling long distance through all sorts of weather. By 1936, trading medical service for land, lumber and labor, he constructed and opened Kane County's first hospital. In 1943 Dr. Aiken began three years of service as a doctor in the Navy, achieving the rank of Commander. Returning to Kanab in 1946, he renewed his medical practice and in the following years served as mayor, city councilman and state legislator. In 1962 a new hospital was built in Kanab and named the George R. Aiken Hospital in honor of the man who had served the community so faithfully in so

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many ways. Having served for 45 years as Kanab's doctor, Dr. Aiken retired in 1975. In 1976 he encouraged the city to purchase the Heritage House and spent many hours helping restore this old Bowman-Chamberlain-McAllister home to make it the jewel in Kanab's heritage treasury. Dr. Aiken died on November 21, 1994 at age 98. He will be remembered as one who made people well by using his skills as a physician, citizen, neighbor and friend.

This barbecue grill, constructed from local natural hewed stone, was first given to the Kane County Hospital and then relocated to the Kanab Heritage House. It is a gift from Dr. George Russell Aiken in memory of his wife Juanita Hauer Aiken who assisted him as his nurse for many years.

(photo caption) The Aikens, Duke, Juanita and George - Kanab, Utah-1928

Erected 2011 by Kanab Heritage and Preservation Board.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Government & Politics • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1930.

Location. 37° 2.76′ N, 112° 31.679′ W. Marker is in Kanab, Utah, in Kane County. It can be

Photographed by Jeremy Snow, June 3, 2025

2. Dr. George Russell Aiken Marker

reached from East 100 South, on the right when traveling east. Located inside the Heritage House grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 14 E 100 S, Kanab UT 84741, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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

in the Mountain West,

on the 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 Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bowman-Chamberlain House (a few steps from this marker); Clint Walker (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Virginia Mayo (about 400 feet away); Dale Evans (about 500 feet away); Dennis Weaver (about 500 feet away); Jack Elam (about 500 feet away); Jackie Hamblin Rife (about 500 feet away); Andrew Prine (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kanab.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2025, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. This page has been viewed 202 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 5, 2025, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.