Places for vacations can be quite difficult to pick. The beach is overrated and probably foreign travel may not be on your agenda. Zion ghost tours southern Utah in the vicinity of a historic national park however sounds like a plan. Beautiful weather and amazing canyons grace the landscape of Zion National Park.
One of the two ghost towns in Southern Utah is the Silver Reef. It was originally a mining town blessed with abundant deposits of silver. A fire in 1879 brought down many buildings which were rebuilt later. The town however did not survive the drop in the world market prices for silver which led to closing down of the mines and an eventual relocation of this town.
Grafton is an inspiration to visitors who stream to have a glimpse of the ancient town. The historic homes combined with green pastures and a stunning Virgin River offers a non forgettable experience. Grafton is just on the southern entrance of Zion National Park and has offered a great background for several Hollywood films.
Many stories are told of beginning of the town. In 1859, Grafton begun, located along the banks of the Virgin River in the southern side. The original settlers called the Mormon pioneers according to history developed a cotton industry in the area as their Prophet had directed them. The Virgin River was essential for their survival but it also brought upon them calamities.
The story is told that in the year 1862, there was heavy rainfall lasting for forty consecutive days. The result was massive flooding of this river which eventually washed the town away. It had to be relocated about a mile northwards. Industries were then built for cotton and silk spinning which sustained the town until its abandonment in the 1920s.
All that remains of Grafton is a church, a few houses and cemetery but it still is one of the most popular and photographed ghost town. The flood in 1862 and subsequent Indian attacks in 1866 led to the abandonment of this town. The cemetery is probably the point of interest for most people as it tells a sad tale of the harsh times that were the 1800s.
A tour to the ghost towns is quite an experience even for the young ones. There is plenty of space to stroll, take pictures and admire the life that was in past few hundred years. Due to the nature of these roads, however, a 4WD drive is advised. It may be tempting to go by yourself but it would be for your own good to have a tour guide. This place is vast and you may not know which route to take.
You will find your visit enjoyable with a guide as they entertain and show you around. There is so much to learn from them in terms of history, ecology and geology of this area. There are plenty of tour guide companies and one has to choose the best. Customer reviews are available from their websites is a good place to start. Remember to call in and book in advance.
One of the two ghost towns in Southern Utah is the Silver Reef. It was originally a mining town blessed with abundant deposits of silver. A fire in 1879 brought down many buildings which were rebuilt later. The town however did not survive the drop in the world market prices for silver which led to closing down of the mines and an eventual relocation of this town.
Grafton is an inspiration to visitors who stream to have a glimpse of the ancient town. The historic homes combined with green pastures and a stunning Virgin River offers a non forgettable experience. Grafton is just on the southern entrance of Zion National Park and has offered a great background for several Hollywood films.
Many stories are told of beginning of the town. In 1859, Grafton begun, located along the banks of the Virgin River in the southern side. The original settlers called the Mormon pioneers according to history developed a cotton industry in the area as their Prophet had directed them. The Virgin River was essential for their survival but it also brought upon them calamities.
The story is told that in the year 1862, there was heavy rainfall lasting for forty consecutive days. The result was massive flooding of this river which eventually washed the town away. It had to be relocated about a mile northwards. Industries were then built for cotton and silk spinning which sustained the town until its abandonment in the 1920s.
All that remains of Grafton is a church, a few houses and cemetery but it still is one of the most popular and photographed ghost town. The flood in 1862 and subsequent Indian attacks in 1866 led to the abandonment of this town. The cemetery is probably the point of interest for most people as it tells a sad tale of the harsh times that were the 1800s.
A tour to the ghost towns is quite an experience even for the young ones. There is plenty of space to stroll, take pictures and admire the life that was in past few hundred years. Due to the nature of these roads, however, a 4WD drive is advised. It may be tempting to go by yourself but it would be for your own good to have a tour guide. This place is vast and you may not know which route to take.
You will find your visit enjoyable with a guide as they entertain and show you around. There is so much to learn from them in terms of history, ecology and geology of this area. There are plenty of tour guide companies and one has to choose the best. Customer reviews are available from their websites is a good place to start. Remember to call in and book in advance.
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