Gunnison in Sanpete County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Life on the Land
Clarion was to be settled in phases, beginning with the arrival of twelve men who would work collectively to prepare the land for planting and irrigation. Thereafter, the land would be divided into family farmsteads with equipment shared by the settlers. Families would arrive 50 at a time, from year to year, until all of the Association members had been relocated from the East.
Unfortunately, the Clarion settlers found that life in arid Utah was quite different from the promises made by their back –to the-soil leaders and Utah state officials. The soil proved to be very poor and only productive with extensive irrigation. While the success of the colony depended on a reliable supply of water for both irrigation and domestic needs, construction of the Piute Canal, intended to be completed before the arrival of the colonists in 1911, was not even finished until 1918, two years after the demise of Clarion. The limited water that was available was insufficient to meet the needs of the colony and the requirements of the land itself to become fully productive.
Erected by Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation, Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation. series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1911.
Location. 39° 9.285′ N, 111° 49.078′ W. Marker is in Gunnison, Utah, in Sanpete County. Marker is on East Center Street. Located in the city square of Gunnison, Utah. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gunnison UT 84634, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Colonists of Clarion (here, next to this marker); “Back to the Soil” (here, next to this marker); Casino / Star Theatre (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gunnison (approx. 0.3 miles away); First Public Buildings (approx. 2.3 miles away); Centerfield (approx. 2.3 miles away); Warm Creek-Fayette (approx. 5.2 miles away); ZCMI Co-op Building (approx. 5.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gunnison.
Additional keywords. Jewish Agricultural farming commuity
Credits. This page was last revised on March 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 25, 2019, by Jerry Klinger of Boynton Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 157 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 25, 2019, by Jerry Klinger of Boynton Beach, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A readable, clear photo of the marker. • Can you help?