Widtsoe

The school house.

The Steed Homestead

Widtsoe is a true ghost town.  My grandpa and grandma were raised and married here and they tell me stories of how sad they were when they had to leave.  Many houses still stand and they're quite a sight - especially the school house.

Jedediah Adair bought a ranch in the early 1900's in the area that would become Widtsoe.  Other settlers noting the success of Adair came in and by 1908 there was a sizable group of families.  The town grew and a post office was built in 1912.  It became a thriving town and by 1920, the population was 1100.  For about ten years the agriculture was just about perfect - then for another ten years there was a draught.

As the draught continued settlers began to move away.  By 1930 population was 210, and in 1935 only 17 families were left.  In 1936, the Federal Resettlement Administration stepped in and bought out the townspeople and paid off their loans.  They left without coercion.

This is quite a pretty sight and the canyon drive is beautiful in the fall.  It is well worth the visit.  To find Widtsoe, head 13 miles north from the entrance road of Bryce Canyon off U.S. Highway 12.  You can also head south from Antimony driving up Black Canyon about 22 miles.

4 1/2 stars.

Click here to see Old City Map of Widtsoe

Click here to see Widtsoe Family History