Grafton, ghost town in Washington County, Utah, United States
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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.
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The United States have hundreds of abandoned towns. This selection includes 100 of these places where time seems to stand still. Most grew rich in the 19th century through gold or silver finds. They attracted miners, traders, and whole families. When the veins were empty, people left. They left...
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