A Rich Heritage
Nephi’s Twist Historical Trail
Running through the property is a narrow wash canyon called Nephi’s Twist. This old horse drawn wagon trail took people from Washington County to the upper Hurricane Mesa and out towards Zion National Park. The trail was named after Nephi Johnson. Nephi was brought to Utah by his parents from Ohio and during their travels learned how to speak Native American languages. Due to his ability to communicate and good relationships with Native American people Nephi Johnson was called upon by Brigham Young to travel along The Virgin River looking for suitable areas for settlements.
Trail Ridge Estates is located on a portion of where Nephi Johnson traveled. This trail has been preserved and is maintained as an important historical landmark to the pioneers of Utah.
Native Fishes of the Virgin River
As part of the on-going conservation effort, Trail Ridge Estates has proposed a partnership with government agencies to support The Virgin River Program. The program supports six species of native fishes, including three that are found nowhere else in the world. Many of the fishes have been pushed to extinction and The Virgin River program has been put in place to restore balance by protecting vital habitat. One of these habitats is LaVerkin Creek.
LaVerkin Creek
LaVerkin Creek flows year round. It’s the natural property line on the West side of Trail Ridge Estates. The creek provides water to the large cotton wood trees making up the shade canopy over our Arboretum Trail and Park. The origin of the name is somewhat confusing. In a letter from John Steele and J.C.L. Smith to the Deseret News, dated 26 June 1852, LaVerkin Creek is referred to as the “Leiver Skin.” Perhaps it originally was “Beaver Skin.” Others, however, say that LaVerkin is a corruption of the Spanish “La Virgen,” referring to the nearby Virgin River. Early Washington County Court records list the creek as “Leiversking.” In time it was shortened to LaVerkin.
Jackson Family Settlement
Located creek side on the common area property is the foundation of an old settlement. This is a landmark to the families that traveled and settled in the area. The original homestead belonged to James Jackson who came to the United States from Prattsbottom, Kent, England in 1856 and settled in Toquerville by LaVerkin Creek in 1877. As you look over the area you can still see some of the old rock walls built by the pioneers who settled the area.
Toquerville
Not far from Trail Ridge Estates in June 1854, members of the Southern Indian Mission led by Rufus C. Allen visited Chief Toquer, chief of the Paiute Indian band, on lower Ash Creek. Chief Toquer was friendly and receptive so these Mormon Missionaries promised to return and make a settlement. This promise was kept in the spring of 1858. Several families built log cabins near Toquer’s village along Ash Creek and the town, Toquerville, began.