Grafton

Grafton is an abandoned settlement in Washington County, Utah that was founded by Mormon settlers in 1859. The town now consists mainly of two stone structures: a schoolhouse and church built side by side from stone and wood materials.

The settlement was founded in 1859 by Mormon pioneers seeking to establish a permanent home. Repeated flooding from the Virgin River eventually forced residents to abandon the site and relocate upstream to safer ground.

The name Grafton reflects its English settler origins. The schoolhouse and church that remain show how education and faith were central to daily community life, serving as gathering places where residents would meet and share their lives together.

Access is via gravel roads through countryside, so a vehicle with good tires is recommended. There are no shops, services, or official guides on site, so bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and plan to visit during daylight hours.

The two buildings were constructed side by side, a common practice in small rural communities of that era to conserve resources and strengthen community bonds. This physical arrangement between school and church was characteristic of early Mormon settlements.

Location: Washington County

Inception: 1859

Elevation above the sea: 1,117 m

Part of: Rockville

GPS coordinates: 37.16722,-113.08000

Latest update: December 18, 2025 15:33