Brigham City is a ghost town located in Navajo County, Arizona. Established in 1876 by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it was one of four colonies along the Little Colorado River. Today, remnants of the settlement are undergoing restoration efforts. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Navajo County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: Approximately 35°02′31″N, 110°41′04″W
Elevation: Approximately 4,895 feet (1,492 meters)
Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST) (UTC-7)
Established: 1876
Disestablished: 1881
Comments: Brigham City was founded by twenty Mormon families and fifteen bachelors from Salt Lake City. They constructed homes within protective walls measuring 200 feet in length and 7 feet in height. The settlement faced challenges, including flash floods that destroyed dams and irrigation systems, leading to crop failures. These adversities resulted in the town’s abandonment by 1881. Brigham City was one of four colonies along the Little Colorado River; the others were Joseph City, Sunset, and Obed, with Joseph City being the only remaining colony today.
Remains: Portions of the original protective walls and one building remain. Archaeological excavations have been conducted at sites such as the grist mill and pottery. The remnants are currently undergoing restoration efforts.
Current Status: Historic site undergoing restoration
Remarks: Brigham City’s brief existence reflects the challenges faced by early settlers in the Arizona Territory, particularly in establishing sustainable agricultural communities in the face of natural adversities. Its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 underscores its historical significance.
For a visual exploration of Brigham City and its history, you might find the following video insightful:
