GRAFTON GHOST TOWN
Grafton, Utah
Grafton, Utah is a ghost town in Southwest Utah, near Zion National Park. It’s a fun tourist destination that takes visitors back in time to experience the old west and learn about the area’s history. It’s been said that Grafton is the most photographed ghost town in the western United States. You won’t want to miss this on your trip to Zion National Park!
Grafton Ghost Town Map
This map is a fun re-creation of Grafton Ghost Town. It includes both current, standing structures, and past structures, roads, a legend, and more. This map also includes a few fun facts about Grafton.
History of Grafton
Founded in 1859, Grafton was a Mormon pioneer settlement. In hopes to grow cotton in Southern Utah, Brigham Young sent five families to Grafton, led by Nathan Tenney, in 1859. Seven other cotton growing settlements were founded in the area; Virgin, Adventure, Rockville, Duncan’s Retreat, Shunesburg, Northup, and Springdale. All are abandoned except for Virgin, Rockville, and Springdale. At the start of the Civil War in 1861, cotton became scarce and these cotton settlements (“Cotton Missions” as they were referred to by Mormon pioneers) began to be increasingly important to the Utah Territory.
Why is Grafton a Ghost Town?
In the following years, farmers began to grow more fruits and vegetables, and cotton production consequently began to decrease. In January of 1862, Grafton was destroyed by a flood of the Virgin River. The pioneers resettled a little further upstream, where they continued to raise crops for many years. As time went on, residents left for opportunities elsewhere – mostly in nearby towns such as Hurricane and St. George. Eventually, the local Mormon congregation was disbanded and Grafton’s last residents left in 1944. To learn more, visit GraftonHeritage.org
Things to do in Grafton, Utah
There aren’t many things to do in Grafton besides tour the buildings and cemetary. That’s why we offer Old West Photoshoots! An Old West Photoshoot is a fun and unique way to experience Grafton and take it home with memorable souvenir-pictures. Check out our gallery to see some of our past shoots. Book your photoshoot below!
Support the preservation of Grafton
You can help support the preservation and restoration of this special place. Donations are most helpful, but at the very least, you should be respectful – don’t disturb anything or leave anything behind – remember, you’re on camera! Visit GraftonHeritage.org to learn more.
Directions
Less than 20 minutes from Zion National Park, drive to Rockville, Utah and turn south on Bridge Road. You’ll drive on this road for about 5 – 10 minutes until you arrive at the ghost town. Keep in mind, most of the way there is dirt road, but most cars don’t have any trouble making it out there. Do not trespass on private property. You can find Grafton Ghost Town in your maps, but you can also use the map below to help you get there.
