Counties of UtahWashington County

Quick Facts Geography

History

Quick Facts• Area: 2,422 square miles

• County Seat: St. George

• Where it got its name from: President George Washington

• Main cities and towns: St. George, Washington, Hurricane, La Verkin, Santa Clara, Ivins, Springdale, Rockville, Hildale

• Economy: Recreation, retirees, education, services, and trade.

• Interesting places: Zion National Park, Snow Canyon State Park, Red Cliffs Recreation Area, Sand Hallow Reservoir, St. George LDS Temple, Dixie College, and much more!

Washington County History• The area was originally inhabited by the early Archaic

and Anasazi Indians and later by the Southern Piautes.

• In 1854 Jacob Hamblin was sent by Brigham Young to work with the Native Americans and help establish a peaceful relationship between the Mormons and the Indians.

• The area became known as “ Utah’s Dixie” during the time that the pioneers began to grow products that work well in warm climates such as cotton, silk, and pecans.

• In the late 1860’s silver was found and the mining town of Silver Reef was established. The mine produced over 25 million dollars worth of ore before it was closed in 1901.

Zion National Park

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