What Causes a Ghost Town?

By Jo Anne Lamoreaux

Do you believe in ghosts?  Are dead spirits haunting, or at least lingering in places they used to live?  Where did the term “ghost town” come from?  Are ghosts still there or is the town itself dead and ghostly?  Can a town die?  How?  Why?  Are there some of these mysterious places nearby? Have you been to one?

The Utah Daughters of the Utah Pioneers have arranged an event to investigate some of these intriguing questions at their Third Week Event on April 17 at 11:00 a.m.  The presentation at the McQuarrie Memorial Museum will feature Reuben Wadsworth, a Utah native, teacher, and author.  For those who would like to view the presentation online, it will be streamed live on Facebook at Facebook/DUP McQuarrie Memorial Museum.  Also a highlights video will be available after the presentation on dupstgeorge.org.

Reuben received his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Utah State University and his master’s degree in history from the University of Nevada Las Vegas.  With degrees in writing and a love of history, he has two published book volumes called Red Rock Recollections about some of the fascinating history of places in Washington County and areas nearby.

If you have ever wondered about why some towns thrive and then simple fade away, his presentation may be just for you.  Reuben teaches in Hurricane, writes for the St. George News, and moonlights occasionally at Dixie State University.  This event will be an interesting way to spend a little time learning about local ghost town histories and legends.

The McQuarrie Memorial Museum is located at 147 North 100 East in St. George. The public is welcome, admission is free, and there is handicap access.  It is currently open on Monday, Friday, and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Masks are still required and all CDC and Utah State Guidelines are followed.  For more information, call 435-628-7274 or visit the museum website at http://dupstgeorge.org.