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Places for vacations can be quite difficult to pick. The beach is overrated and probably foreign travel may not be on your agenda. Zion ghost tours southern Utah in the vicinity of a historic national park however sounds like a plan. Beautiful weather and amazing canyons grace the landscape of Zion National Park.
One of the two ghost towns in Southern Utah is the Silver Reef. It was originally a mining town blessed with abundant deposits of silver. A fire in 1879 brought down many buildings which were rebuilt later. The town however did not survive the drop in the world market prices for silver which led to closing down of the mines and an eventual relocation of this town.
Grafton is another town in southern Utah located just at the southern entrance of Zion Park. It offers a glimpse into the life of the ancient settlers of the town. It boasts of historic homes coupled with green pastures and a beautiful view of these banks of Virgin River. The town has been used as a setting of several Hollywood movies.
Many stories are told of beginning of the town. In 1859, Grafton begun, located along the banks of the Virgin River in the southern side. The original settlers called the Mormon pioneers according to history developed a cotton industry in the area as their Prophet had directed them. The Virgin River was essential for their survival but it also brought upon them calamities.
The story is told that in the year 1862, there was heavy rainfall lasting for forty consecutive days. The result was massive flooding of this river which eventually washed the town away. It had to be relocated about a mile northwards. Industries were then built for cotton and silk spinning which sustained the town until its abandonment in the 1920s.
All that remains of Grafton is a church, a few houses and cemetery but it still is one of the most popular and photographed ghost town. The flood in 1862 and subsequent Indian attacks in 1866 led to the abandonment of this town. The cemetery is probably the point of interest for most people as it tells a sad tale of the harsh times that were the 1800s.
A tour to the ghost towns is quite an experience even for the young ones. There is plenty of space to stroll, take pictures and admire the life that was in past few hundred years. Due to the nature of these roads, however, a 4WD drive is advised. It may be tempting to go by yourself but it would be for your own good to have a tour guide. This place is vast and you may not know which route to take.
The place is huge, save the trouble of talking wrong turns by hiring a guide. In addition, the guide will entertain you and educate you on the history, geology and ecology of this area. Several guide companies exist and choosing one you may have to rely on customer reviews. Finally, remember to telephone in advance to book a place.
One of the two ghost towns in Southern Utah is the Silver Reef. It was originally a mining town blessed with abundant deposits of silver. A fire in 1879 brought down many buildings which were rebuilt later. The town however did not survive the drop in the world market prices for silver which led to closing down of the mines and an eventual relocation of this town.
Grafton is another town in southern Utah located just at the southern entrance of Zion Park. It offers a glimpse into the life of the ancient settlers of the town. It boasts of historic homes coupled with green pastures and a beautiful view of these banks of Virgin River. The town has been used as a setting of several Hollywood movies.
Many stories are told of beginning of the town. In 1859, Grafton begun, located along the banks of the Virgin River in the southern side. The original settlers called the Mormon pioneers according to history developed a cotton industry in the area as their Prophet had directed them. The Virgin River was essential for their survival but it also brought upon them calamities.
The story is told that in the year 1862, there was heavy rainfall lasting for forty consecutive days. The result was massive flooding of this river which eventually washed the town away. It had to be relocated about a mile northwards. Industries were then built for cotton and silk spinning which sustained the town until its abandonment in the 1920s.
All that remains of Grafton is a church, a few houses and cemetery but it still is one of the most popular and photographed ghost town. The flood in 1862 and subsequent Indian attacks in 1866 led to the abandonment of this town. The cemetery is probably the point of interest for most people as it tells a sad tale of the harsh times that were the 1800s.
A tour to the ghost towns is quite an experience even for the young ones. There is plenty of space to stroll, take pictures and admire the life that was in past few hundred years. Due to the nature of these roads, however, a 4WD drive is advised. It may be tempting to go by yourself but it would be for your own good to have a tour guide. This place is vast and you may not know which route to take.
The place is huge, save the trouble of talking wrong turns by hiring a guide. In addition, the guide will entertain you and educate you on the history, geology and ecology of this area. Several guide companies exist and choosing one you may have to rely on customer reviews. Finally, remember to telephone in advance to book a place.
Zion Country Off-Road Tours offers night time ghost tours in this area. Information can be found at http://zionatvjeeptours.com.
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