Pioneer Industrial Center
In 1850, discovery of large deposits of iron ore and coal in this vicinity by
Parley P. Pratt, a Mormon leader and explorer, led Brigham Young to plan
immediate colonization and development of the entire Southern Utah area.
Parowan was established January 13, 1851 as the center of one of the most
extensive industrial developments undertaken by the Mormon Pioneers.
Following the typical colonization plan, this section was designated as the
agricultural base. Some of the pioneers were assigned to farming, stockraising,
home building, and other necessary ccupations. Others, principally English, Welsh
and Scottish emigrants, skilled in mining, smelting and iron working, were located
at Cedar City, 19 miles south, nearer the iron and coal deposits.
During most of that first winter the settlers--117 men, 30 women and 18
children,--lived in wagon beds which had been placed in rows on the ground.
Four days after its founding, Parowan was established as the county seat of
Iron County, and legislative, judicial, county and town officers were elected.
Shortly thereafter, other settlements were located wherever suitable
places could be found.
