Gunlock, Utah facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gunlock, Utah
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 Gunlock, Utah
Location in Utah
Gunlock, Utah
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Utah |
| County | Washington |
| Settled | 1857 |
| Named for | William "Gunlock" Hamblin |
| Elevation | 3,648 ft (1,112 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain (MST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
| ZIP codes |
84733
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| GNIS feature ID | 1437576 |
Gunlock is a small, quiet community located in the western part of Washington County, Utah. It's not a big city, but a special kind of place called an "unincorporated community." This means it doesn't have its own city government like a town or city, but it's still a recognized place where people live. Gunlock is found north of the beautiful Gunlock State Park, which is a popular spot for outdoor fun.
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Where is Gunlock?
Gunlock sits right next to the Santa Clara River. It is located northwest of the Red Mountains. You can find it by taking local roads northwest from the city of St. George. St. George is the main city and the county seat for Washington County.
Gunlock is quite high up, sitting at about 3,658 feet (1,115 meters) above sea level. Even though it's a small community, Gunlock has its own post office. The ZIP code for Gunlock is 84733.
Gunlock's Early Days: A Look at Its History
Gunlock was first settled in 1857. A pioneer named William Hamblin was the first person to make his home there. He was also known as "Gunlock Will." He was the brother of another famous pioneer, Jacob Hamblin.
Later in 1857, a leader from the LDS Church, George Albert Smith, visited the area. He decided to name the community "Gunlock" to honor William Hamblin, who was its first settler.
Moving the Settlement
In 1862, the Santa Clara River had a very big flood. This flood caused a lot of damage to the original settlement. Because of this, the people of Gunlock decided to move their homes. They moved the entire community north to where it stands today.
The Community Building
In 1881, the people of Gunlock finished building a special adobe building. This building served two important purposes: it was both a church and a school. Even before it was fully finished, classes were already being held there.
This first building was replaced in 1912 by a new church and schoolhouse. Over the years, this second building has been updated many times. Today, it still serves the community as the Gunlock town hall.
Fun in Gunlock: The Annual Rodeo
One of the most exciting things that happens in Gunlock is the Annual Gunlock Rodeo. This fun event usually takes place around the 4th of July. It's a long-standing tradition that has been held every year since 1945.
The money raised from the rodeo helps support important community facilities in Gunlock. It's a great way for everyone to come together and celebrate.
