Bluff in San Juan County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)

The San Juan Mission

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, May 18, 2016

1. The San Juan Mission Marker

Inscription. Bluff was the first settlement of the white man in San Juan County and its first county seat. It was founded April 6, 1880 by the San Juan Mission "called" by the L.D.S. Church to establish friendly relations with the Indians. A small band of mission scouts found good farm land at this location in 1879 and it was resolved to settle here. Late in October 250 colonists from several southwestern Utah communities began the migration via the Hole-in-the-Rock shortcut across the Colorado River. Contrary to expectations the route proved almost impassable and after nearly six months of the most strenuous effort the exhausted company reached this site. No pioneering band ever overcame greater difficulties in establishing and maintaining a home. The turbulent river proved uncontrollable and for 40 years hostile Indians and various types of white renegades threatened life and property. In spite of hardships and personal sacrifice the missionaries remained steadfast to the calling until released by the church. The San Juan Mission is an unexcelled example of the highest type of pioneer endeavor.

Erected 1958 by the National Society,

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Sons of Utah Pioneers.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Sons of Utah Pioneers series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 6, 1880.

Location. 37° 17.223′ N, 109° 32.832′ W. Marker is in Bluff, Utah, in San Juan County. It is on Navajo Twins Drive west of U.S. 191, on the right when traveling west. Marker is at Sun Bonnet Rock, between 2 buildings of Twin Rocks Trading Post. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bluff UT 84512, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Navajo Nation

and in Canyon Country.

It is also in the American 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: Pioneer House (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, May 18, 2016

2. The San Juan Mission Marker

Pioneer House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Welcome to the Bluff Fort Historic Site (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Co-op Store (approx. 0.4 miles away); Replica of the Log Meetinghouse (approx. 0.4 miles away); Irrigation - The San Juan Pioneers Greatest Challenge (approx. 0.4 miles away); Replica of the Bluff Meetinghouse (approx. 0.4 miles away); The San Juan Gold Rush (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bluff.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Jens House (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, May 18, 2016

3. The San Juan Mission Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2016, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,181 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 4, 2016, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona.