Parowan, Utah facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Parowan, Utah
City
Parowan's Mormon Pioneer-era Rock Church
Nickname(s):  "Mother Town of Southern Utah"
Location in Iron County and the state of Utah
Country	United States
State	Utah
County	Iron
Incorporated	February 6, 1851
Area
• Total	6.89 sq mi (17.85 km2)
• Land	6.89 sq mi (17.85 km2)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation	6,155 ft (1,876 m)
Population  (2010)
• Total	2,790
• Estimate  (2019)	3,165
• Density	459.16/sq mi (177.29/km2)
Time zone	UTC-7 (Mountain (MST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-6 (MDT)
ZIP code	84761
Area code(s)	435
FIPS code	49-58510
GNIS feature ID	2411378

Parowan (/ˈpærəwɑːn/ parr-Ə-wahn) is a city in Utah, United States. It is the main city, also known as the county seat, of Iron County. In 2010, about 2,790 people lived there. By 2018, the estimated population grew to around 3,100.

Parowan became the first city to be officially set up in Iron County in 1851. A fort was built there the year before. This fort was important for starting iron-making in the area. Parowan helped by growing food for the iron industry, which had its main factory in nearby Cedar City. Later, the iron factories closed down.

Even though there were some good times, the iron-making efforts did not create a steady supply of iron. By 1858, most mining stopped because there wasn't enough iron found. Today, the main jobs in Parowan are related to fun activities and tourism.

History of Parowan

Early People and Ancient Art

Long ago, Fremont culture and Anasazi people lived in the area where Parowan is now. Scientists have found petroglyphs (rock carvings), old homes called pithouses, arrowheads, pottery, and grinding stones from A.D. 750 to 1250. This shows that the area was a busy path for early Native Americans.

At Parowan Gap, which is about 10 miles northwest of Parowan, ancient people carved pictures on smooth rocks. These pictures show snakes, lizards, bear claws, and mountain sheep. Near Parowan Gap, you can also find dinosaur tracks! These tracks were made by Hadrosaurs in soft mud long ago. Later, the Old Spanish Trail, an old trading path, also went through this area.

Founding the City

Parowan was started on January 13, 1851. This was about a year after explorers found the Little Salt Lake Valley and iron ore nearby. In 1850, an explorer named Parley P. Pratt chose the spot and called it "The City of Little Salt Lake." Based on his report, Brigham Young, a leader of the pioneers, asked people to build towns there to make iron tools. These tools were much needed for the new pioneer state.

The Iron Mission

A leader named George A. Smith was chosen to lead this "Iron Mission" in 1850. The first group of 120 men, 31 women, and 18 children traveled south from Provo in December. They faced cold winter weather and sometimes had to build roads and bridges. They finally reached Center Creek on January 13, 1851.

After two very cold nights, they moved across the creek and arranged their wagons in a circle for protection. Within days, they set up the town. Groups of men were sent to build a road, the town was measured out into lots, and they started building a fort and a log council house. This council house was used for many years as a church, school, theater, and community center.

The Old Rock Church

In 1861, people started building a large church in the middle of the town square. The pioneers wanted a three-story building made from yellow sandstone and big timbers from nearby canyons. This building, known as the "Old Rock Church," was finished in 1867. It was used as a church, town hall, school, and social gathering place.

In 1939, the church was fixed up by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers and a special project. Today, it is a museum that shows the early history of Parowan.

Mother Town of the Southwest

Parowan is sometimes called the "Mother Town of the Southwest." This is because many pioneers left Parowan to start other communities. They went to southern Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, and even Oregon and Wyoming. In its first year, settlers from Parowan helped start Johnson Fort (now Enoch) and Cedar City.

Local Industries and Economy

The first settlers in Parowan were told to plant crops. This was so that new immigrants could find coal and iron ore. But other local businesses also started. The goal was to be self-sufficient, meaning they could make everything they needed. Local businesses included a tannery (for leather), a sawmill, a cotton mill, and factories that made saddles, furniture, shoes, and guns. There were also carpentry and blacksmith shops.

In the early 1900s, sheep farming and dairy farming became very important. Parowan farms were known for their good sheep. The Southern Utah Dairy Company, started in 1900, made dairy products and was famous for its "Pardale Cheese."

Early attempts to make iron were not very successful. But mining in the 1900s brought good times to Iron County. In the early 1980s, the mines closed and a new highway (Interstate 15) was finished. This made people worry about the economy. So, Parowan citizens made a plan to keep the community strong.

Now, businesses in Parowan support Brian Head. This resort is about 12 miles south of town. It offers skiing in winter and many mountain activities in summer.

Parowan has grown a lot since the 1990s. This growth is thanks to affordable utility costs and a good economy. Parowan hosts the annual Iron County Fair every Labor Day weekend. It also helps with the Utah Summer Games and has a "Christmas in the Country" celebration in November.

In 1993, the city started building Heritage Park. This park has a grotto (a small cave-like area) with a pond and statues that honor the people who founded Parowan. Other historical places include the original town square with the Old Rock Church, the War Memorial and Rose Garden, and the Jesse N. Smith Home Museum. Parowan City also supports the Parowan Community Theatre, which puts on plays all year.

Geography of Parowan

Aerial view of Parowan

Parowan is located on the southeastern edge of Parowan Valley. It sits at the entrance of Parowan Canyon. A special red-top mountain called Valentine Peak, which is 8,050 feet tall, can be seen from the valley. It is a well-known landmark for the city.

Interstate 15 runs along the northwestern side of the city. You can get on or off the highway at Exits 75 and 78. I-15 goes north 58 miles to Cove Fort and Interstate 70. It goes southwest 19 miles to Cedar City. Utah State Route 143 goes south up Parowan Canyon 16 miles to Cedar Breaks National Monument.

The United States Census Bureau says that Parowan covers a total area of 17.2 square kilometers (6.6 square miles). All of this area is land.

Climate in Parowan

Parowan has a cold semi-arid climate. This means it is generally dry, but not as dry as a desert. The information below is from the Western Regional Climate Center and covers data from 1893 to 2010.

Population of Parowan

In 2000, there were 2,565 people living in Parowan. There were 893 households, and 682 families. About 37.2% of households had children under 18 living with them. The average household had 2.84 people.

The population was spread out by age. About 31.2% were under 18 years old. About 18.2% were 65 years or older. The average age in the city was 36 years.

Notable People from Parowan

• Texas Rose Bascom (1922-1993) – A famous rodeo trick rider and Hollywood actress. She is in the hall of fame.
• Scott M. Matheson – He was the Governor of Utah from 1977 to 1985.
• Alma Richards – Utah's first person to win an Olympic gold medal.
• Jesse N. Smith – A Mormon pioneer who helped settle Parowan. He was also the mayor of Parowan from 1859 to 1860.

See also

In Spanish: Parowan (Utah) para niños