Strange Facts about Southern Utah
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Beyond its natural beauty and adventurous spirit, Southern Utah harbors some strange and quirky facts that might surprise even the most seasoned local. From bizarre laws to peculiar traditions, here’s a collection of oddities that add an extra layer of intrigue to this unique part of the American Southwest.
1. The Strange Case of the No Swearing Law in Monroe
Monroe, a small town nestled in Sevier County, once had an unusual law on the books: public swearing was illegal. This odd piece of legislation, rooted in the town's desire to maintain public decency, meant that residents could face a fine if caught using profane language in public. While it’s uncertain how strictly this law was enforced, it certainly added an extra challenge to the local cowboy culture known for its colorful language.
2. Toquerville’s Mysterious Boiling Pot
Toquerville, a small town in Washington County, is home to a strange natural phenomenon: a boiling pot. This isn’t your average hot spring. Locals claim that the water here is hot enough to cook an egg! While the science behind it is well understood—hot water emerging from the Earth's crust due to geothermal activity—the idea of a natural "stove" in the middle of the desert is certainly peculiar. It’s a reminder of how unpredictable and unique the geology of Southern Utah can be.
3. Pigeon Shooting in Parowan
In the early 20th century, Parowan, a small town in Iron County, was the site of an unusual event: a pigeon shoot. This wasn’t your average hunting activity; it was a public spectacle where pigeons were released from traps, and participants competed to shoot as many as possible. The event was both controversial and strange, reflecting a different era of local entertainment that might seem bizarre by today’s standards.
4. The Ghostly Piano in Grafton
Grafton is one of Southern Utah’s most famous ghost towns, located near Zion National Park. Among the remnants of this abandoned settlement lies a spooky legend: the ghostly piano. According to local lore, late at night, one can hear the eerie sound of a piano playing, despite there being no instrument in sight. This haunting tale has been passed down through generations, adding an extra layer of mystery to an already enigmatic place.
5. Kanab’s Hollywood Camel
Kanab, known as “Little Hollywood” for its history as a film location, has seen its fair share of strange sights. One of the oddest was the presence of a camel on the set of a 1950s Western movie. After filming, the camel was left behind, becoming a local legend. For years, sightings of the “Kanab Camel” were reported, as the animal roamed the desert freely, a bizarre reminder of the town’s brush with Hollywood glamour.
6. Virgin River: The Desert's Fishy Secret
The Virgin River, which winds through Southern Utah, is home to an odd fish: the Virgin spinedace. This rare and endangered species can only be found in the Virgin River and nowhere else on Earth. Its survival in such an arid environment is a strange anomaly, highlighting the delicate balance of life in Southern Utah's desert ecosystems.
7. The St. George Dinosaur Discovery
While paleontology is always fascinating, the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site has a particularly strange story. In 2000, a local optometrist, Dr. Sheldon Johnson, was leveling a hill on his property when he stumbled upon an incredible find: thousands of dinosaur tracks embedded in what was once the shoreline of an ancient lake. This accidental discovery turned his backyard into one of the most significant paleontological sites in the region, attracting scientists and tourists alike.
8. The Legend of the Spanish Treasure in Montezuma's Gold
Southern Utah is steeped in treasure legends, and one of the most enduring is that of Montezuma's Gold. According to local lore, the Aztec emperor Montezuma hid a vast treasure in the caves of the Utah mountains to keep it out of the hands of Spanish conquistadors. Some believe that the treasure lies somewhere in the Uinta Mountains or in other secluded spots in Southern Utah. Despite numerous expeditions and searches over the years, the treasure has never been found, making it one of the region’s most enduring mysteries.
9. The Town of Big Water’s Dinosaur Mayor
Big Water, a small town near Lake Powell, had an unusual mayor in the late 1990s: a dinosaur enthusiast named Derek Meier, who was often referred to as "the Dinosaur Mayor." He made it his mission to turn Big Water into a hub for dinosaur tourism, even advocating for a large, life-sized dinosaur statue in the middle of town. Although the statue never materialized, the idea of a "Dinosaur Mayor" remains a quirky chapter in the town's history.
10. The Curious Case of the Escalante Petrified Forest
The Escalante Petrified Forest is a state park where visitors can walk among fossilized trees that are millions of years old. But what’s strange is the local legend that anyone who takes a piece of petrified wood from the park is cursed with bad luck. This curse is so well-known that the park receives numerous packages every year from people returning pieces of petrified wood they’ve taken, often with letters explaining the misfortunes they’ve suffered since removing the wood. Whether you believe in the curse or not, it’s a bizarre and spooky tradition that keeps many visitors on their toes.
11. The UFO Sightings in Cedar City
Cedar City has long been a hotspot for UFO enthusiasts, thanks to numerous reports of strange lights and unidentified flying objects in the sky. Some locals believe that the area’s high desert and remote canyons are a magnet for extraterrestrial activity. The sightings have even inspired UFO-themed events and gatherings, making Cedar City an unexpected destination for those interested in the paranormal.
12. The Bizarre Fluorescent Rocks of the Utah Fluorspar Mine
Located near Delta, Utah, the old Fluorspar Mine is known for producing stunning fluorescent rocks. Under normal light, these rocks look unremarkable, but when exposed to ultraviolet light, they glow with vibrant, otherworldly colors. The mine has long been a favorite spot for rockhounds and geologists, but the sight of these glowing rocks in the middle of the Utah desert is undoubtedly an odd and fascinating experience.
13. The Road to Nowhere: The Notom-Bullfrog Road
Notom-Bullfrog Road is a remote and rugged route in Southern Utah that stretches through the heart of Capitol Reef National Park. What makes it strange is that it seemingly leads to nowhere. The road ends at Lake Powell, where you can’t go any further unless you have a boat. This “road to nowhere” has a ghostly, desolate quality, with few travelers and vast stretches of barren land, making it feel like you’re driving to the edge of the world.
14. The Mysterious Anasazi Petroglyphs
Southern Utah is home to many ancient petroglyphs, but some of the most mysterious are those left behind by the Anasazi people. These rock carvings, found in places like the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Zion National Park, depict strange, humanoid figures with large eyes, elongated bodies, and otherworldly features. Some people speculate that these petroglyphs depict ancient visitors from another world, while others believe they represent spiritual beings or gods. The true meaning behind these mysterious carvings remains a mystery, adding to the eerie allure of Southern Utah’s ancient history.
Southern Utah is a land where the unusual and the mysterious seem to converge. From hidden treasures and strange geological formations to eerie legends and paranormal activity, there’s no shortage of oddities to explore. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these strange facts are sure to add a layer of curiosity and wonder to your experience of this remarkable region.
At Mojave, we celebrate the quirks and mysteries of Southern Utah with our unique selection of desert-themed gifts and souvenirs. Stop by to discover items that capture the spirit of this strange and fascinating land and take a piece of Southern Utah’s oddities home with you.