Though many of the early Utah settlements have faded., their romance lingers. From yesterday to today, through journal entries, historic photographs, and family stories, four of these towns come to life in Wind in the Sage: A Story of Utah Ghost Towns.
-Grafton:
Resting tin the shadows of Zion National Park, Grafton was settled in 1859. By 1930, Grafton ceased to have citizens. However, visitors continue to walk through the skeleton of an old schoolhouse and pay their respects at the forlorn cemetery. A popular site with Hollywood movie makers, Grafton has been featured in many films, including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
-Iosepa:
Named for Joseph F. Smith, who served as a missionary in Hawaii, Iosepa was designated in 1889 as a home for Hawaiian saints who came to be close to the temple. Despite the harsh conditions of Skull Valley they persevered, returning home only after the Hawaiian Temple was built.
-Pahreah:
Settled in 1865 by Mormon pioneers and named for a Paiute word meaning "dirty water," Pahreah survived until floods washed away the best farm lands. Briefly revived by the discovery of gold, miners arrived only to discover that it was fine flour gold, with no profit in it. The last resident faithfully remained until 1929.
-Frisco:
One of the West's toughest mining camps, with 21 saloons, sprang to life in less than two weeks. Gunplay was a daily event, so it is no surprise that at one time Frisco boasted one of the largest boot hill cemeteries in Utah. The collapse of the Horn Silver Mine, in 1885, marked the end of this colorful community.