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.
The San Juan Mission. . 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.
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, Sons of Utah Pioneers.
. 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. Marker 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.
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 763 times since then and 123 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on June 4, 2016, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona.
