Brigham City, Arizona facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brigham City
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 Brigham City
Location in Arizona
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Arizona |
| County | Navajo |
| Founded | 1876 |
| Abandoned | 1881 |
| Named for | Brigham Young |
| Elevation | 4,895 ft (1,492 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (MST (no DST)) |
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Brigham City
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| Nearest city | Winslow, Arizona |
| Area | 160 acres (65 ha) |
| Built | 1876 |
| NRHP reference No. | 78000558 |
| Added to NRHP | June 9, 1978 |
Brigham City is a ghost town in Navajo County, Arizona, United States. It was started by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often called Mormons). The town was founded in 1876 near where the city of Winslow is today. It was located along the Little Colorado River. Brigham City was an active community for a few years but was abandoned by 1881.
Founding and Early Days
Brigham City was founded in 1876. Twenty Mormon families and fifteen single men from Salt Lake City settled the area. They built their homes inside strong, protective walls. These walls were about 200 feet (61 m) long and 7 feet (2.1 m) high. The town was named after Brigham Young, a leader of the Latter-day Saints.
In 1878, Brigham City became an official Latter-day Saints community. It was one of four settlements along the Little Colorado River. The other towns were Joseph City, Sunset, and Obed. Today, only Joseph City is still a living community.
Why the Town Was Abandoned
Life in Brigham City was very difficult. The settlers built dams and irrigation systems to bring water to their crops. However, severe flash floods kept washing away these systems. This meant their crops failed often. Because of these challenges, the people could not stay. By 1881, the town was completely abandoned.
Population and Legacy
The 1880 U.S. Census recorded that 191 people lived in Brigham City. After the town was abandoned, its land eventually became part of the city of Winslow.
Today, Brigham City is recognized as an important historic site. On June 9, 1978, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a place worth preserving because of its history. Only one of the original buildings and parts of the old wall still remain. Experts have also done archaeological digs at the site. They have explored areas like the old grist mill and pottery workshop. These efforts help us learn more about what life was like in this early Arizona settlement.
