Utah Travel Guide 2008 - (Page 142) CENTRAL UTAH CITIES Delta A “delta” is a fertile area at the mouth of a river, and the town of Delta (known originally as Melville), got its start when the Melville Irrigation Company obtained rights to divert water from the Sevier River Reservoir. Due to the rich rock, mineral and fossil specimens in the surrounding desert, Delta makes a great homebase for rockhounds, gemologists and crystal gazers. Delta is home to the Great Basin Historical Society Museum, as well as the Sunset View Golf Course. Other nearby attractions are Fort Deseret and Little Sahara Sand Dunes, an ATV-rider’s destination par excellence. Delta is also an excellent place for students of World War II history. Topaz Camp remains a monument to Japanese-Americans interned there during the war. Price excursion will take you into Fishlake National Forest, which occupies one million acres and features an aspen-lined lake that draws people from around the world to try their luck at landing trophy-sized Mackinaw trout. Manti Price sits close to the northern section of the San Rafael Swell, which is home to vast deserts, yawning canyons, and fascinating rock formations. The area is known for its coal mining, as well as its recreational opportunities. Price is a great jumping-off point for visits to Goblin Valley State Park and the ClevelandLloyd Dinosaur Quarry. You’ll find some amazing pictograph and petroglyph rock art at places like Nine Mile Canyon, Wedge Overlook and Buckhorn Draw. The Huntington Eccles Canyon National Scenic Byway is nearby with its views of vertical cliffs and escarpments, unique vegetation and crystal water lakes. Fillmore Manti, located on Heritage Highway 89 between Gunnison and Ephraim, was settled in 1849 by Mormon pioneers primarily from the east coast who were sent from Salt Lake City to stake claim to the territory. During the early 1850s, a close-knit community of Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian Mormon immigrants settled in Manti, and later in other nearby towns. Manti was originally called “Copenhagen,” but Brigham Young decreed it should be named after a notable Book of Mormon city. The city is best known for the LDS Manti Temple, which blends Gothic and French Revival styles of architecture into a most impressive structure visible from the Highway. It is still considered a monument to the faith of the Scandinavian families who not only financed it, but built it as well. Each summer, the Mormon Miracle Pageant takes place on the expansive grounds of Temple Hill. Mt. Pleasant The railroad came to Mt. Pleasant in 1890 and along with it came prosperity. Commercial structures along Main Street reflect those good times. Most of the buildings have been preserved to reflect that era. The town is home to Wasatch Academy, a private school founded in 1875 that still attracts students from around the world. Mt. Pleasant even boasts its own winery which offers wine and cheese tasting every Saturday. The town is a short drive from both the Uinta and Manti-LaSal National Forests. Moroni Named for U.S. President Millard Fillmore, the town of Fillmore (located in Millard County) was the first capital of what was then known as the Territory of Utah. Plans for a monumental statehouse were drawn and one wing built, but before its completion, the capital was moved to more populated Salt Lake City. You can still catch a glimpse of historic Fillmore at the Territorial Statehouse State Park. The volcanic formations that molded Tabernacle Hill reminded early settlers of the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City. In the area, hikers can explore unique cones and lava-tube caves. To the south, Cove Fort, constructed in 1867 on orders from Brigham Young, discouraged attacks during the Black Hawk War and provided a welcome respite for travelers in the area. Richfield Moroni was originally known as Mego, then Sanpitch, both names of local Native Americans. The town was established in 1859 and renamed Moroni for a Book of Mormon prophet. Moroni is home to Moroni Feed Company, one of the world’s most successful turkey cooperatives. With the eighth largest turkey processing plant in the country that roast turkey you serve during the holidays may well be from Utah! The Moroni Opera House and Dinner Theater is a historical building that has been restored and is host to many plays and operas. The town’s Red Hot Fourth of July has been featured in a documentary shown on Public Television as a small American town celebrating the nation’s birthday in a big way. Green River Because of its central location, Utah travelers find Richfield to be a perfect spot from which to launch their day tours. Years ago, folk singer Burl Ives immortalized Big Rock Candy Mountain in song; a twenty-minute drive and you can see the real thing. In 1985 at Five Fingers Ridge in Clear Creek Canyon, during the construction of I-70, remains of an ancient Fremont settlement were unearthed. Visit Fremont Indian State Park to see relics from over 100 structures. Another As you might expect from the name, Green River is a haven for river runners, who raft places such as Desolation and Gray canyons upstream and Labyrinth and Stillwater canyons downstream. The town was once a stomping ground for Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch. Green River is also host to the John Wesley Powell Museum where you can see the historic boats used by 142 U TA H Tr a v e l G u i d e
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