By Aaron Hastings
Capital West News
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah House and Senate have passes a resolution to recognize the 100 year anniversary of the Jewish settlement of Clarion, near Gunnison, Utah.
The resolution came through support from Rep. Jon Cox, R-Ephraim, and Monte Bona, director of the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area.
“This is our way to recognize the contribution of the Jewish community to settle the area over a hundred years ago,” said Bona, “we found it important to tell the story of the Jewish pioneers.”
The Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area was created by the U.S. Congress to honor the sacrifices of pioneers who helped to settle the West, and includes historical sites such as those around the Manti Temple.
The Jewish community of Clarion was a later addition to the western migration in 1911 when Jews seeking religious freedom came from Europe and purchased over 6000 acres of land and established Clarion.
The settlement failed in 1915 due to poor harvests, and the population began moving slowly to urban areas looking for work.
