Heritage Sites – Desert Sky Vacation Rentals

Old Judd's Store

Discover St. George’s oldest ongoing business, established in 1911. Once a thriving general merchandise store, Judd’s Store now stands as a cherished landmark in Green Gate Village. Experience its restored charm and remarkable heritage, including the preserved ceiling from a pioneer-era furniture store. Step back in time at Judd’s Store, a living testament to St. George’s rich history.

Address: 62 W Tabernacle St. St. George, UT 84770

Ancestor Square, St. George

Discover the Charm of Ancestor Square in Downtown St. George. Immerse Yourself in History and Delightful Shopping as Quaint Shops and Restored Buildings Await in the Heart of Downtown. Explore the Unique Boutiques, Galleries, and Small Shops in Ancestor Square, all within a Leisurely Stroll of Other Downtown Attractions and an Array of Mouthwatering Restaurants.

Address: 2 St. George Boulevard, St. George, UT 84770

Home of Jacob Hamblin

Address: 3325 Hamblin Dr, Santa Clara, UT 84765

Silver Reef Ghost Town

Unearth the Fascinating Story of Silver Reef, Southern Utah’s Once Thriving Mining Community. With rich silver veins discovered in the 1870s, the town swiftly flourished, boasting numerous establishments. However, the silver quickly ran out, leading to the town’s decline. Visit the Wells Fargo Express office, now a museum, and glimpse remnants of the past. Explore cautiously as the area is closed off, dotted with remnants of mines and open shafts. Discover the captivating history of Silver Reef, a testament to the cycles of mining fortunes.

Address: 1903 Wells Fargo Road, Leeds, UT 84746

Daughters of Utah Pioneers

In 1938, thanks to the generous donation by Hortense McQuarrie Odlum, the McQuarrie-Odlum Museum was established. This cherished institution was dedicated to housing relics, photographs, and histories of the determined pioneers who settled Southern Utah under Brigham Young’s guidance, starting in the mid-1850s. On June 17, 1938, the museum’s grand opening took place, attended by esteemed city officials, religious leaders, and members of the DUP (Daughters of Utah Pioneers) in Washington County. The realization of having a dedicated building to preserve the precious memories of the early settlers was a dream come true for the DUP. Local newspapers celebrated the event with extensive coverage, expressing gratitude to Hortense McQuarrie Odlum for her generous contribution towards constructing the museum.

Address: 145 North 100 East, St. George, UT 84770

Mountain Meadow Massacre Site

The Mountain Meadows massacre stands as a dark chapter in history, marked by a series of harrowing attacks on the Baker-Fancher emigrant wagon train in southern Utah. On September 11, 1857, these assaults reached their devastating climax, resulting in the mass slaughter of the majority of the emigrant party. The perpetrators included members of the Utah Territorial Militia from the Iron County district, accompanied by certain Paiute Native Americans. Today, we honor the memory of those affected by this tragic event.

Address: Veyo, UT 84782

St. George Temple

Nestled in the charming city of St. George, Utah, the St. George Temple stands as a remarkable testament to Mormon architecture. Designed by Truman O. Angell, this temple showcases a unique resemblance to the Nauvoo Temple, setting it apart from later LDS temples. As the oldest temple still actively used by the LDS Church, the St. George Temple holds great historical significance. Originally featuring two grand assembly halls, akin to the Kirtland and Nauvoo Temples, it has served as a sacred space for spiritual gatherings and worship. In 2020, the temple embarked on an extensive remodeling project, temporarily closing its doors. However, visitors can still explore the captivating history and beauty of the temple by taking tours at the open visitor center. Though the temple itself is currently under construction, its rich heritage and architectural grandeur continue to inspire and captivate all who visit.

Address: 250 East 400 South, St. George, UT 84770

Pine Valley Chapel

Designed by shipbuilder Ebenezer Bryce, the Pine Valley Chapel in Utah’s logging community is a remarkable structure. Constructed with local pine on a foundation of granite and red limestone, its unique roof resembles an inverted ship’s hull. Completed in 1868, this cherished gathering place serves as a testament to the settlers’ vision and enduring craftsmanship. Explore the fusion of faith, history, and architectural brilliance at Pine Valley Chapel.

Address: 52 W. Main Street ( at Grass Valley Street) Pine Valley, UT 84781

St. George Tabernacle

The St. George Tabernacle, a cherished landmark in St. George, Utah, holds a rich history. Originally established in 1876 as a public works building, it served as a venue for church services and court hearings. Today, this iconic structure welcomes the public and hosts a variety of events, including captivating choral and orchestra concerts. Immerse yourself in the vibrant past and present of the St. George Tabernacle as you explore its remarkable architecture and enjoy the diverse range of public gatherings it offers.

Address: 18 South Main Street, St. George, UT 84770

St. George Opera House

Built in 1862 as the community’s first public building, the St. George Opera House and Social Hall has a rich history. Initially serving as a Wine Cellar and a hub for education, recreation, and entertainment, it expanded in 1880 to include a versatile wing with an adjustable floor. Renowned as the “Opera House” during the early 1900s, it hosted captivating performances and became a beloved cultural center. Experience the vibrant heritage of the St. George Opera House, where community entertainment continues to shine.

Address: 212 North Main Street, St. George, UT 84770

Harrisburg Settlers Home

Nestled near the confluence of Quail and Cottonwood Creeks with the Virgin River, Harrisburg, UT was founded by Moses Harris and his family in 1859. Today, the site is submerged beneath the Quail Creek Reservoir. Despite their efforts, the settlement faced challenges due to the arid land’s limited crop growth and irrigation difficulties, as noted by authors Paul Dean Proctor and Morris A. Shirts in their book, “Silver, Sinners and Saints, A History of Old Silver Reef, Utah.”

After a devastating fire, the settlers relocated in the spring of 1860. However, the Harris family returned in 1861, choosing a new settlement site three miles upstream to the west, which was eventually named “Harrisville.” Join us on a journey through the trials and triumphs of Harrisburg, a testament to the resilience of early pioneers in the region.

Woodward Building

Constructed with locally quarried stone, Woodward Elementary School stands as a remarkable two-story structure. The foundation itself features volcanic stone originally intended for the earlier Academy building, which never came to fruition. Reminiscent of late Victorian architecture, the school bears striking similarities to the Old Dixie College building.

For nearly a century, from 1901 to 2000, Woodward School served as an educational institution. However, with the changing times, it underwent a transformation and became the school district’s media and technology center. Today, this iconic building not only embraces its educational heritage but also houses a captivating museum.

Join us as we explore the historic halls of Woodward Elementary School, where the echoes of the past merge with modern advancements, creating a unique blend of education, technology, and preservation.

Address: 75 W. Tabernacle, Saint George, UT 84770

Bringham Young Winter Home

Nestled in St. George, Utah, the Brigham Young Winter Home and Office is an iconic testament to the life of Brigham Young, the renowned Mormon pioneer and leader of the church in the Utah Territory. As Young advanced in age, his arthritis prompted the need for a winter retreat in the arid climate of St. George, away from the harsh winters of Salt Lake City.

From 1873 to 1876, Young occupied the home and office seasonally, finding solace in the tranquil surroundings. Today, this historic residence has been entrusted to the Utah State Parks and Recreation department, proudly serving as a museum.

Step into the rich history of Brigham Young as you explore the meticulously preserved Winter Home and Office, immersing yourself in the legacy of a visionary leader and the remarkable stories that shaped the foundations of the Mormon faith.

Address: 67 W. 200 North, St. George, UT

Green Gate Village

At the heart of Green Gate Village stands the majestic Historic Inn, a grand two-story home constructed by Orson Pratt in 1862. This remarkable structure features adobe walls that are a remarkable 18 inches thick, exuding a sense of timeless solidity.

Green Gate Village is a treasure trove of historic homes, each with its own unique story to tell. Many of these charming residences have been transformed into thriving shops and restaurants, bustling with activity and preserving the vibrant heritage of the past.

Step into the enchanting world of Green Gate Village, where the allure of history merges seamlessly with contemporary offerings, creating an unforgettable experience that celebrates both the past and the present.

Address: 76 West Tabernacle St. Geroge, Utah 84770

The Old Cotton Mill

Anticipating the disruption of cotton markets during the U.S. Civil War, Brigham Young foresaw an opportunity for self-sufficiency in southern Utah. He sent pioneers to establish a Cotton Mission and embark on experimental cotton cultivation in Utah’s fertile “Dixie” region. In 1865, under Young’s guidance, a cooperative cotton factory was established, marking the beginning of extensive cotton cloth production in the area.

To eliminate the need for transporting cotton lint to external cloth manufacturers, Appleton M. Harmon was entrusted with overseeing the construction of a mill and the installation of machinery. The site chosen in Washington, Utah, boasted ample water power from the nearby Virgin River. Construction on the mill commenced in 1866, and by 1867, the first story of the mill was completed.

While the mill has since evolved into a plant nursery, its historical significance as a pioneer cotton manufacturing center remains intact. Explore the rich legacy of Brigham Young and the Cotton Mission as you discover the fascinating story behind this transformed building.

Address: 385 W. Telegraph Road Washington, UT 84780