Moab's
history is just as bold and edgy as its dazzling landscape. When you visit
Moab, you step into a world rich with history and blessed by nature — nestled
in a valley flanked by the Colorado River and La Sal Mountain range within the
heart of the Colorado Plateau.
Native-American
tribes (including Pueblo, Ute and Navajo) roamed the Moab area for thousands of
years before the first Europeans arrived in 1776. To open up trade between the regions, a group
of Spanish explorers carved a travel route across the desert to California.
The Old Spanish Trail
One
of these routes linked Sante Fe with Los Angeles and was named the Old Spanish
Trail, which runs past the Arches National Park Visitor Center on Highway 191. Moab's
location on the Old Spanish Trail was significant because it served as the
Colorado River crossing to travelers on the trail, which was used
extensively to transport goods on horseback.
Daring Adventures By Traders and
Prospectors
Soon,
the Old Spanish Trail was used by fur traders and prospectors. Following rivers, crossing expansive plains
and scaling mountains, these early explorers paved the way for the many
pioneers and fortune seekers that followed in their footsteps. Their isolated lives in the wilderness were
full of tales of daring adventures and savage warfare, extreme temperatures and
wild beasts.
The
earliest evidence of these prospectors was left by a French-American fur
trapper named Denis Julien in 1844, who chiseled his name and date into Moab's
rocks. In the decades following, many
more prospectors explored the rugged Moab region on horseback.
The Mormon Church vs. The Ute Indian
Tribe
By
1855, tales told by these early explorers reached The Mormon Church, which set
out to establish a trading post at the Colorado River crossing in Moab. The Mormons settled into Moab by building a
stone fort and a horse corral, planting crops, and attempting to strike up
friendly connections with the Ute Indians.
The
Utes had traditionally used the Moab area for gathering and trading among other
tribes. Tensions between the Mormons and the Utes escalated when Indians raided
the Mormon's crops — stealing melons, squashes, potatoes and turnips during the
night. Repeated conflicts with and attacks by the local Ute Indians made it
difficult to keep the peace, and eventually forced the Mormon settlers to
abandon the post entirely.
New Settlers Arrive
For
more than two decades afterward, no permanent settlers lived in the Moab area. Then,
in 1878, a group of prospectors, ranchers and farmers established a permanent
settlement. Not long after, the
discovery of precious metals and development of coal mines and railroads lured
new immigrants to the area.
The
town of Moab was officially incorporated in 1902, and Moab's first newspaper
quickly spread the word about its beauty and natural marvels to the rest of the
world.
Twenty
years after the town of Moab was settled, a prospector named Alexander
Ringhoffer wrote to the Rio Grande Western Railroad to gain support for
creating a national park. Railroad executives visited the area and were so
impressed with the rock wonderland that the government dispatched research
teams to investigate the area.
Arches National Park is Born
To
protect its remarkable arches, balanced rocks, spires and other amazing
sandstone formations, President Herbert Hoover signed legislation in 1929
creating Arches National Monument, which was upgraded by Congress to Arches
National Park in 1971.
Moab Becomes a Natural Playground for
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Since
the 1970s, tourism has flourished in Moab — inviting photographers, hikers,
rafters, rock climbers and mountain bikers to the area. Moab has also become
increasingly popular with base jumpers, four-wheelers and highlining
enthusiasts, who regularly practice in the area.
Movies
filmed in Moab have further expanded its tourist appeal. You can catch glimpses of Moab's beauty in
films like "Indian Jones and the
Last Crusade"; "Thelma and Louise";
and "Mission Impossible II." Soon, you'll see Moab in two 2013 films,
"The Lone Ranger" and "After Earth."
Today,
Moab is home to Arches National Park — boasting some of the most stunning red
rock landscapes on Earth. It’s unique combination of natural beauty and
exciting activities have made it one of the best destinations in the southwest,
where adventurous souls come to play.
For More Information about activities in Moab Utah, visit the Moab Tourism Center. We book nearly every fun thing to do in Moab Utah.
Written By
Shon Walter
President
Moab Tourism Center
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