Hurricane in Washington County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Pioneer Trails

Two Important Pioneer Trails Lie to the South of Here

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, August 28, 2012

1. Pioneer Trails Marker

Inscription. Historic Temple Trail The Temple Trail which has two parts, was used during the years 1874-1876 to bring lumber by ox-team from two sawmills at Nixon Springs on the south face of Mount Trumbull to St. George, eighty miles away, for constructing the L.D.S. Temple. Forty-five volunteers from local communities constructed the roadways during April and May of 1874. Over a million board feet of lumber were produced by the sawmills which operated during the warmer months only. Much of the production went along the main trail that drops down over the Hurricane Cliffs about twenty miles south of here and on to St. George, the trip taking seven days. Part of it was taken to Antelope Springs via the alternate trail and then hauled on to St. George when the winter snows stopped the sawmill work. The latter route descends the Hurricane Cliffs twelve miles to the south of us through a declivity that was later used by the Honeymoon Trail.

Historic Honeymoon Trail The Honeymoon Trail had a number of points of origin, but one destination: the St. George Temple. For some, it started at the Mormon settlements in Arizona such as Snowflake

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and St. Johns. It crossed the Colorado River at Lee's Ferry, went through Pipe Springs and followed the winter leg of the Temple Trail on down the Fort Pierce Wash and into St. George. Utah residents such as those living in Orderville or Glendale picked it up as it passed south of Kanab. Following dedication of the St. George Temple in 1877, groups of young couples, with chaperones in tow, would make the trek to St. George by wagon or by buggy to exchange wedding vows in the Temple. Spring and Fall were the favored times; the weather was mild and they could be better spared from farm work. It was arduous, but for those who were young and in love, it was a great honeymoon.

"We commerate this plaque to the great pioneers, Who made Hurricane home in those early years. The Temple and Honeymoon Trails together, In historic memory will live here forever."

This plaque was sponsored by the Joseph T. Wilkinson, Jr. extended family to honor their parents and great-grandparents. Joseph T. and Annie Webb Wilkinson "They were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God." (Alma 1:25) Steadfastness was demonstrated when two days

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, August 28, 2012

2. Pioneer Trails Marker

after their marriage, they went on a three and one half year "honeymoon" serving as missionaries to the Tahitian Islands. While there they participated in the development of the written Tahitian language. Under church direction they published a monthly newsletter and translated the L.D.S. hymnbook into Tahitian.
Upon returning, they settled in Hurricane for six years. Joseph was principal of the Hurricane school during the 1911-1912 and 1915-1916 school years. They took a homestead at Cane Beds where they taught school, ran the Post Office, and operated a small cattle ranch.
Joseph and Annie were dedicated to family, church and music. Their six children who lived to maturity, along with most of their progeny, have responded to gospel teachings, and have been valiant in their faith.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1874.

Location. 37° 10.562′ N, 113° 17.311′ W. Marker is in Hurricane, Utah, in Washington County. It can be reached from West State Street. Marker is in Hurricane

Map on Pioneer Trails Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, August 28, 2012

3. Map on Pioneer Trails Marker

Valley Pioneer Heritage Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 35 West State Street, Hurricane UT 84737, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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

in the Mountain West,

and on the 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: See Mollies Nipple (here, next to this marker); Hurricane Canal (here, next to this marker); Hurricane City (a few steps from this marker); Survival in Utah’s Dixie (a few steps from this marker); The Roads to Utah’s Dixie (a few steps from this marker); Hurricane Pioneers (a few steps from this marker); Pioneer Gratitude (a few steps from this marker); Smith Mesa (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hurricane.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 965 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 10, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.