The Old Fort (Mormon), Arizona
Arizona
History & Significance
President Brigham Young established the "Arizona Mission" to colonize the Little Colorado River Basin, initially divided into four companies of fifty families each, led by four captains. A group of colonists called by Brigham Young, under the leadership of William C. Allen settled here March 24, 1876.
They erected a fort of cottonwood logs and mud on this site. The settlement was first known as Allen's Camp and was renamed St. Joseph in 1878.
The people occupied the fort for several years during which time they lived the United Order. The hardest challenge for the new colonists was trying to get water for their crops, which meant that they had to tame the Little Colorado River, which was difficult due to the flooding season that would destroy dams along the river.
Ten times before a dam was successfully built in 1894 that was strong enough to withstand the floods. Andrew Jensen, a Mormon church historian, called the settlement "the leading community in pain, determination, and unflinching courage in dealing with the elements around them." The only surviving settlement from 1876 is the small unincorporated community of Joseph City, Arizona.
Key Facts
Map
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Sources
- https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=36386
- https://www.silvercreekherald.com/p/joseph-citys-150th-anniversary
- https://www.legendsofamerica.com/az-jackrabbit/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_City,_Arizona