Santa Clara History

Santa Clara’s rich history spans over 170 years, from its founding by Mormon pioneers in 1854 to its development as a thriving community that balances modern growth with historic preservation. Originally established as part of the Southern Indian Mission and later the Cotton Mission, Santa Clara has maintained its unique character as a small historic town within Washington County’s growing region.

Visit the Samuel R. Knight Santa Clara History Museum located in the basement of the town hall at 2603 Santa Clara Drive to explore artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that bring our community’s heritage to life. The museum is open Monday through Thursday from 2-5 pm and by appointment. Group tours are also available. For more information, visit https://santaclarahistorymuseum.com.

1776

Spanish Expedition

Domínguez and Escalante Expedition reaches Santa Clara, naming the river “El Rio Sulfureo de los Piramides”

Pre-1776

Ancient Inhabitants

Native American peoples (Anasazi, Pueblo, and Paiute) inhabited the Santa Clara area for thousands of years

1854

Southern Indian Mission Founded

Santa Clara was founded when ten missionary families arrived as part of the Southern Indian Mission, including Hamblin, Knight, Leavitt, Allen, Brown, and others. They built a 14-foot high dam in 1855 to aid Native American agriculture. This same year saw the first cotton grown, harvested, carded, spun, and woven into cloth. Fort Clara was built in 1856, and the Santa Clara adobe school/ward house was constructed in 1858.

Early 1800s

Old Spanish Trail Era

The Santa Clara name originates from this period when the Old Spanish Trail was established through the region. In 1849, Parley P. Pratt reported that Native Americans were growing crops with irrigation on Santa Clara Creek.

1870s

Agricultural Development

The Swiss settlers began selling produce and wine in Pioche, Nevada, and other communities. Dr. Edward Palmer explored the Indian mound and published his report in 1875. The Santa Clara Tithing Granary was built at 3105 Santa Clara Drive during this decade.

1861

Cotton Mission and Town Plat

Fifteen Swiss families arrived in Santa Clara as part of the Cotton Mission, and the Santa Clara Town Plat was officially established, creating the formal layout of the town. Fort Clara was heavily damaged in the 1862 flood, but the first Santa Clara Church was built that same year. The Jacob Hamblin Home was constructed in 1863 at 3325 Santa Clara Drive, and vineyards, orchards, gardens, and farms were established throughout the area.

1900s

Industrial and Commercial Growth

The Shem smelter was built and later closed during this decade. The Santa Clara Mercantile Store was constructed at 3097 Santa Clara Drive, serving as a commercial center for the growing community.

1890s

Expansion and Education

The Shivwits Indian Farm was purchased by Anthony Ivins, and the Shivwits Indian School was established. The second Santa Clara Church was built in 1897 at 3040 Santa Clara Drive, replacing the original structure.

1915

Town Incorporation

Santa Clara was officially incorporated as a town, providing formal municipal government structure for the growing community.

1910s

Infrastructure Development

The Santa Clara Bench Canal and Reservoir were built to improve irrigation. The Arrowhead Trail auto route was established through the area, and electric power service was provided by Dixie Power hydros on Santa Clara Creek, bringing modern conveniences to residents.

1930s

Depression-Era Projects

The Civilian Conservation Corps built both the Shem (Winsor) Dam and Santa Clara Concrete Dam, providing important water management infrastructure during the Great Depression.

1920s

Modern Communications and Transportation

Telephone service was introduced by Southern Utah Telephone Company. The Arrowhead Trail Road was improved, and fruit and produce stands were established along the highway. US Highway 91 was designated in 1926, increasing traffic and commerce through Santa Clara.

1950s

Increasing Tourism

Traffic increased significantly on US Highway 91 as post-war America embraced automobile travel. The Virgin River Gorge Highway project was approved, setting the stage for major transportation changes.

1940s

Wartime and Post-War Growth

Gates Service Station operated, selling Richfield hi-octane gasoline and renting cabins to travelers. The Southern Utah Produce Company used trucks to ship local produce to Nevada, California, and Arizona. The third Santa Clara Church was built in 1949 at 3040 Santa Clara Drive.

1970’s

Interstate Bypass and Preservation

The Virgin River Gorge Freeway opened in 1973, bypassing Santa Clara and preserving its historic small-town character while maintaining access to modern transportation networks. This marked a turning point that allowed Santa Clara to maintain its rural atmosphere while the region around it developed.

1960s

Historic Preservation Begins

The Jacob Hamblin Home was restored by the State of Utah and opened to tourists, marking the beginning of Santa Clara’s focus on historic preservation. Construction began on the Virgin River Highway at a cost of $3.5 million per mile.

City Hall Hours

Monday – Thursday:
8:00am – 5:00pm

Friday:
8:00am – 1:00pm

Justice Court Hours

Monday – Thursday:
8:00am – 5:00pm

Friday:
8:00am – 11:00am

After Hours Emergency

Please call the main line at 435-673-6712.
The after hours service will collect the necessary information and contact the proper department’s
on-call person.