The area was settled during the Civil War by Mormons sent by Brigham Young to raise cotton; a textile mill was built and production continued until the reconstructed South was once again able to supply Utah with cotton.
The St. George Mormon Temple, built between 1869 and 1877, was the first Mormon temple built in Utah. The red sandstone tabernacle at Main and Tabernacle streets, dating from 1863, supports a 140-foot steeple that is a St. George landmark. The tabernacle is open to non-Mormon visitors. Although the temple itself is not open to the public, guided tours offered by the St. George Temple Visitors Center, 490 South 300 East (on the temple grounds), explain the temple's functions and Mormon beliefs; phone (435) 673-5181.
Visitor Centers
St. George Area Chamber of Commerce 97 E. St. George Blvd. St. George, UT 84770. Phone:(435)628-1658
Self-guiding Tours
Many late 19th-century buildings can be seen on a walking tour that begins at the chamber of commerce's visitor center, 100 East and St. George Boulevard; a map describing the route and each building is available at the visitor center.
Shopping
Among the more than 65 stores at Red Cliffs Mall, 1770 E. Red Cliffs Dr., are the anchor stores Dillard's and JCPenney. The Shoppes at Zion, off I-15 exit 8, has more than 33 outlet shops, including Eddie Bauer, Gymboree, Levi's and Pendleton.
Things to Do
Brigham Young Winter HomeDaughters of Utah Pioneers Museum
St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm
Recreational Activities