A history of Iron County: Community above self ([Utah centennial county history series])

A history of Iron County: Community above self ([Utah centennial county history series]) by Janet Burton Seegmiller. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9780913738191.

Without question, Iron County is accurately named. Within its borders lie the richest and most accessible iron ore bodies in the western United States. The discovery of these ore deposits led Brigham Young to establish Mormon colonies at Parowan and Cedar City in 1851 on the southern route to the Pacific Coast and the southern edge of the Great Basin. Despite the natural resources of iron, coal, forests, and great scenic beauty, struggle and sacrifice have marked the history of all peoples who have occupied the semiarid valleys and rugged mountains of the county.This book traces some of the historical events in the Iron County area from its geologic beginning to the present, and it recalls the many enterprises made successful by the cooperative effort of the countys citizens. From early choirs and dramatic societies to iron production, from water projects to construction of schools and churches, from roads and airports to hospitals and recreational sites, there are few areas of human endeavor untouched by this cooperative spirit.While much has been written about pioneers of the county, this volume emphasizes twentieth-century achievements and looks ahead to the challenges of the future.