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History of Frontier Homestead State Park

Offers visitors a chance to learn about pioneer life

Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts from Native American tribes that once inhabited the Four Corners region. Located in Blanding, Utah, the museum is housed in an ancient pueblo which was built by Ancestral Puebloan people around 1000 A.D. The museum features a variety of exhibits showcasing the culture and history of these tribes, as well as their geology and natural environment.

The area surrounding the Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum is rich in geologic features and formations. The area’s landscape was shaped by the forces of erosion, climatic variations, and tectonic activity over millions of years. As a result, many interesting geological features can be found in the area such as hoodoos, arches, buttes, mesas, sandstone cliffs and towers, and deep canyons.

Cedar City History

The area around what is now Frontier Homestead State Park was settled in the late 19th century by pioneers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). These settlers were searching for a place to call home and started building a vibrant community. They named their new settlement Cedar City after nearby cedar trees, which provided much-needed lumber and other resources.

The LDS settlers built the first school in Cedar City and focused on cultivating crops, ranging from wheat to corn. In 1852, a local blacksmith shop opened and soon the community was home to several businesses, including stores, mills, and more. By the end of the 19th century, Cedar City had become a bustling town with many residents living in and around the area.

Native American History

Frontier Homestead State Park has a long history of occupation and use. The first people to inhabit the area were originally Ute Indians, who had lived in this region for centuries before settlers began coming westward. Around 700 A.D., the Fremont culture arrived in the region and inhabited it until around 1300 A.D., leaving behind numerous artifacts that can still be seen at the site today.

In more recent history, the Paiutes had a presence in this area from the late 1700s to the mid-1800s. During this time, they were known to hunt and gather in the area, as well as raise crops. Many of their artifacts and remains are still present throughout the park.

Mormon History

In the mid-1800s, the area around Frontier Homestead State Park was settled by Mormon pioneers. These settlers established a small farming and ranching community in the Cedar City area and used the surrounding land as grazing lands for their livestock. As part of this settlement, they also built several cabins that can still be seen at the park today.

The Mormon settlers brought with them their traditions and beliefs, which can still be seen in the park today. For example, visitors to the park can see many of the original fences that were built by these pioneers. These wooden fences are now a reminder of how life was lived during this time period and how it has changed over time.

Establishing the Park

The area that is now Frontier Homestead State Park was designated as a state park in 1973. The goal of the park was to preserve and showcase the unique history of this region, from its Native American inhabitants to the Mormon settlers who established the community.

Since then, the park has been expanded multiple times and offers visitors many different ways to explore its history. Visitors can take a guided tour of the area, learn about its many artifacts and remains, wander through the old cabins that were built by the pioneers, or simply take in the beautiful landscape.

Frontier Homestead Today

Visiting Frontier Homestead State Park today is a great way to learn about the history of this area. Whether you’re interested in exploring the Native American or Mormon heritage, or simply taking in the natural beauty of the landscape, there’s something for everyone at Frontier Homestead State Park.

The park also offers many educational opportunities for visitors. From guided tours to interactive exhibits, there are plenty of ways to learn about the unique history of this region.

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