Your hub for southern utah historical information.

The Washington County Historical Society (WCHS) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving and promoting the history and historical resources of Washington County, Utah. WCHS serves the community from the Pioneer Courthouse under a cooperative agreement with St. George City, which owns and maintains the historic public building. The Pioneer Courthouse and the Daughters of Utah Pioneers McQuarrie Museum next door are downtown landmarks on Pioneer Corner at 100 East St. George Boulevard.

The Pioneer Courthouse is abuzz five days a week with guided building tours, lectures, musical programs, and changing displays that bring history to life. WCHS offers virtual tours of the courthouse and historic downtown St. George for armchair visitors and those who want to explore at their own pace. Adventurous history buffs can participate in seasonal tours that carpool from the Pioneer Courthouse to historical locations throughout Washington County.

Researchers will find a wealth of information about Washington County in our extensive online history collection. The myriad people, places, buildings, events, foods, arts, and folkways that make up our colorful local history are chronicled at wchsut.org.

1983

Incorporated on April 25, 1983.

Visit the Pioneer Courthouse

Come and take a tour of the courthouse. Find a scheduled event for things like lectures, field trips, and more. 

Visit the McQuarrie Museum

The McQuarrie Memorial Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum showcase things like relics, photos, and historical artifacts from early settlers.

Browse our Archived Records

WCHS has gathered and archived thousands of historic records and photographs regarding people, places, and things. Dive into history here!

Make a Donation

Monetary donations help us gather and publish histories and photos of early people, places, and buildings.

Get Involved

All members are volunteers, donating their time and efforts to preserve and present the legacy of the area. 

Four distinct eras constitute the early story of this area

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Early Explorers

Two of the early explorers to the area were Franciscan Catholic Priests. In 1776, Father Atanasio Dominguez and Father Silvestre Velez de Escalante traversed this wild country in their pursuit of a trail to reach the Pacific Ocean. 

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Shivwits Band of Paiutes

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Indian Missionaries

Some of the first settlers were called to be the first missionaries to the Indians. Men like John Lee, Jacob Hamblin, Thomas Brown, William Henefer, August Hardy, and many more.

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Early Settlement

Learn more about the area’s history!

Get In Touch

The St. George Pioneer Corner is a hub for information regarding the history of southern Utah. Here you can gain access to photos, events, tours, and activities of the local area.

Contact us Form

Contact Info

Pioneer Courthouse

97 E St George Blvd,
St George, UT 84770

Quick Contact

Email: mail@washcouthistory.org
Call Us: (435) 216-7928

Hours

11:00 AM – 03:00 PM

Monday – Saturday
(closed Wednesday)

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