Minnie Maud facts for kids
Minnie Maud is a creek and a canyon located in eastern Utah. It's known as the western beginning of the famous Ninemile Canyon area, which is full of ancient rock carvings called petroglyphs.
Minnie Maud Creek starts high up where the West Tavaputs Plateau, Wasatch Plateau, and Uinta Mountains all meet. These starting points are called the creek's headwaters. The creek then flows through a valley that is quite narrow. Because of this, it's hard to use the water for farming. The creek generally flows east and eventually joins with Nine Mile Creek. From there, the water travels into the Green River inside a place called Desolation Canyon.
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Exploring Minnie Maud Canyon
Minnie Maud Canyon was created by Minnie Maud Creek. This canyon is quite narrow, especially when compared to its neighbor, Nine Mile Canyon. Because it's so narrow, you won't find many old buildings or writings from the Fremont culture here. These ancient people lived in the area long ago, and their signs are very common in Nine Mile Canyon.
Early Attempts at Settlement
Due to its narrow shape, Minnie Maud Canyon was never a place where people lived permanently. However, there was a short time when a school district opened there. This school was meant for children living in the wider Nine Mile Canyon.
The school district started in 1896 and was named Minnie Maud. Sadly, it didn't have enough money to keep going. It closed just two years later in 1898, having served only 43 students.
Who Was Minnie Maud?
The creek and canyon were named by John Wesley Powell. He was a famous American explorer who mapped many parts of the western United States. He named the creek after his niece, Maud Powell.
About Maud Powell
Maud Powell (1867-1920) was a very talented American violin player. She was one of the first women to become a famous violin soloist. Her father, Bramwell, was John Wesley Powell's brother. So, the canyon and creek carry the name of a pioneering musician.
