Dewey, Utah facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dewey, Utah
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 Dewey, Utah
Location in Utah
Dewey, Utah
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Utah |
| County | Grand |
| Founded | 1880s |
| Abandoned | 1916 |
| Elevation | 4,140 ft (1,262 m) |
| GNIS feature ID | 1437546 |
Dewey is a fascinating ghost town located in southeastern Grand County, Utah, United States. It sits right along the Colorado River. A ghost town is a place where most people have left, leaving behind empty buildings and a quiet history.
The Story of Dewey
Dewey started in the 1880s as a small but important community. It was first called Kingsferry. This name came from a man named Samuel King. He built and ran a ferry across the Colorado River. Back then, this part of the Colorado River was known as the Grand River.
Why Kingsferry Was Important
The ferry was a vital way for people and goods to cross the river. It was located where the Colorado River meets the Dolores River. Because of this important crossing, a small community grew up around the ferry. People needed places to stay, supplies, and services while waiting for the ferry.
From Ferry to Bridge
For many years, Kingsferry served as a busy river crossing. However, things changed in 1916. That year, the Dewey Bridge was built. This new bridge made the ferry unnecessary. People could now cross the river much more easily and quickly.
Becoming a Ghost Town
Once the bridge was finished, the main reason for the town's existence disappeared. People no longer needed to stop and wait for the ferry. Slowly, the residents began to move away. By 1916, Dewey was largely abandoned, turning it into the ghost town we know today. It stands as a reminder of a time when river crossings were a big adventure.
