Chicken Creek, Utah facts for kids

Chicken Creek is a ghost town located in the southeastern part of Juab County, in the state of Utah, United States. A ghost town is a place where people used to live and work, but now it's mostly empty or abandoned.

The Story of Chicken Creek

The story of Chicken Creek began in 1860. Two families from a nearby town called Nephi decided to start a ranch there. Their new ranch was built right next to a stream also named Chicken Creek. It was about 14 miles (23 km) south of Nephi. This area was also along an important route known as the Mormon Road.

How Chicken Creek Grew

The small ranch quickly grew into a settlement. By 1864, it was officially known as Chicken Creek. The community even got its own post office that year. This meant people could send and receive mail right in their own town.

Why Chicken Creek Was Abandoned

Just a few years later, in 1868, another town was started nearby. This new town was called Levan. It was built about 3 miles (4.8 km) northeast of Chicken Creek, further upstream along the same creek. Levan quickly became a very successful farming community. Because Levan was doing so well, people slowly started to leave Chicken Creek. By 1871, most people had moved away. The post office at Chicken Creek closed down in 1876. Today, only a few old foundations and fireplaces show where the town once stood.