The word "Kanab" comes from a Native American word for a willow basket used to carry an infant on its mother's back. The first attempt by Anglo-Americans to establish a permanent settlement was made on 7 June 1858. The story of Kanab's first two decades is one of a series of unsuccessful efforts at colonization, each discouraged by attacks from hostile Native American tribes who were clearly opposed to white settlement of the area.
Jacob Hamlin played a key role in negotiations with the Native Americans that eventually opened up the area to white occupation. Nevertheless, through the 1860s raids and confrontations occurred regularly between the two groups.
Since the 1920s hundreds of movies have been filmed here and Kanab has also become known as “Little Hollywood” after the term was used as early as the 1950’s by people in the movie industry. MGM liked Kanab so much they built a makeshift studio outside of town in the 1940s. More Westerns were produced near Kanab than anywhere outside of California. Clint Eastwood John Wayne, Ronald Reagan, are among the stars who worked in this area.
“Gunsmoke” filmed about 20 episodes here between the ‘50s and ‘70s. The Clint Eastwood classic, The Outlaw Josie Wales, was one of the last films to shoot on the Paria Canyon movie set. The original set has been relocated to Frontier Movie Town in Kanab and Frontier Movie Town hosts free movie set tours.
The pictures in this post are ones I took at the Frontier Movie Town.
Know what this is? Jim’s Dad had one of these.
For dinner we went to Calvin T’s BBQ. Notice, not even a plate. The meat was very good and tender but for the price, I think we should have gotten service at the table (it’s cafeteria style) and a plate.
You are in new territory to me. I love it.(just rewatched Josie Wales last week)
ReplyDeletethose ribs do look good! no plate???
ReplyDeleteYes..a plate would have been nice.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post.
I really enjoy your blog. It's informative, and takes me back to some favorite places. Love the Kanab area and all of southern Utah. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteWe had a grinder like that out in the barn. (picture number five) Turning it and sharpening at the same time was a challenge.
ReplyDeleteLove the photos and especially the one of the charred ribs. Even though they aren't good for you, I love the char!! Your job is to find a place in the Apache Junction area to go where the ribs look just like that!
ReplyDeleteIn May 2009 we visited that area, around 10 days in Kanab, North Rim Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce. I would like to work kamp in that area someday - to be able to spend more time there. In Kanab, I think we ate lunch at an ice cream parlor that also had sandwiches. There is a "cave" tourist attraction, $5.00 admission, I don't think its worth the price, its one family's collection and a big gift shop.
ReplyDeleteYou always visit the most lovely of places! I'm so glad to be able to follow along your travels here my friend! ~Hugs
ReplyDeleteI suppose that's why it's finger licking good??
ReplyDeleteThere is a barbecue place here that serves the food with NO plate. We have not eaten there but friends have complained. I guess I will go and try it for myself!!
ReplyDeleteLove the history behind Kanab!! Pretty neat!! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks for another excellent post! The Kanab area in Utah and Arizona is absolutely gorgeous with so much to look at and do. Our son is taking a position with the NPS over at Pipe Spring National Monument (just west of Fredonia) in November. Have you been over to Pipe Spring?
ReplyDeleteJohn
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