I toured Hildale, Utah and Colorado City, Arizona, both of which were founded by polygamists. These towns have a complex history, with Warren Jeffs, a radical leader, taking over and assigning underage girls as wives. Despite attempts to break away from their polygamous past, evidence of polygamous families still exists. The statistics for Hildale and Colorado City paint a concerning picture, with high poverty rates and young populations. However, crime rates in both towns are generally low. Additionally, I visited Centennial Park, Arizona, a fully polygamist town that openly welcomes questions from outsiders and has its own unique characteristics. The median age in Centennial Park is incredibly young at just 16 years old, with a predominantly female population and high poverty rates. Overall, my tour of these unique towns gave me insight into their history and current situation, highlighting the challenges they face as they move away from their polygamous past.
Introduction
Welcome to Hildale, Utah and Colorado City, Arizona, two unique towns with a polygamous past. These towns were founded by polygamist Mormons in the early 1900s and have since undergone significant changes. In this article, we will explore the history of these towns, their current efforts to move away from their polygamous past, and the statistics that reflect the demographics and socioeconomic conditions of both Hildale and Colorado City. Additionally, we will take a closer look at Centennial Park, another polygamous town that is in the process of transitioning away from polygamy. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of these white polygamist towns on the Utah/Arizona border.
History of Hildale and Colorado City
Settlement by polygamist Mormons in the early 1900s
Hildale, Utah and Colorado City, Arizona were settled by a breakaway group of Mormons who believed in practicing polygamy. These individuals sought a place where they could worship and conduct their beliefs in a fundamental way, which included the practice of polygamy. Due to the illegality of polygamy, these families migrated to the remote and isolated region on the Utah/Arizona border in the early 1900s. What started as a small community quickly grew over the years.
Warren Jeffs and the radicalization of the community
In the mid-20th century, the communities of Hildale and Colorado City faced a significant shift under the leadership of Warren Jeffs. Jeffs, a more radical leader, declared himself as the Apostle and the voice of God, giving him full authority over the church and its followers. He used his power to evict anyone who disagreed with him, including young boys who were forced to leave their homes and live on the streets. This period marked a turning point in the communities’ history, as Jeffs multiplied his influence and controlled the lives of his followers.
Raid in 1953 and Warren Jeffs’ arrest in 2006
In 1953, a PR disaster now known as the Short Creek raid occurred, where Arizona’s governor sent in police to end the practice of polygamy in these towns. However, throughout the following five decades, both Utah and Arizona maintained a hands-off approach, allowing the communities to continue their polygamous practices. This changed with Warren Jeffs’ rise to power. In 2006, both Utah and Arizona issued arrest warrants for Jeffs, who was a fugitive on the FBI’s top 10 wanted list. He was ultimately arrested in Las Vegas later that year.
Current Efforts to Move Away from Polygamous Past
Towns trying to break away from their polygamous history
Since Warren Jeffs’ arrest and conviction, there have been efforts to move away from the polygamous past of these towns. Many members have left the church and the area altogether, while other non-fundamental Mormons have moved in. As a result, the communities have experienced some changes, and they are working towards a more modern lifestyle.
Presence of polygamous families despite modernization
Despite the modernization efforts, evidence of polygamous families can still be found in Hildale and Colorado City. Although the numbers have decreased, there are still some who adhere to the practice of polygamy. The presence of these families serves as a reminder of the complex history and ongoing challenges faced by these communities.
Centennial Park transitioning away from polygamy
Centennial Park, another town in the region, is currently undergoing a transition away from polygamy. Unlike Hildale and Colorado City, Centennial Park openly welcomes questions from outsiders and provides a glimpse into the polygamous lifestyle. We will explore Centennial Park in more detail later in this article.
Statistics of Hildale
Hildale, the oldest of the three towns, offers a unique perspective on the demographics and socioeconomic conditions of these communities.
Median age of 25
Hildale has a relatively young population, with a median age of 25. This reflects the higher birth rates and the prevalence of large families in the town.
94% white population
Hildale has a predominantly white population, with 94% of its residents identifying as such. This homogeneity is characteristic of many small towns across the United States.
Per capita income of $16,000
The per capita income in Hildale is relatively low, standing at around $16,000 per year. This can be attributed to the high number of individuals living in each household, as is common in polygamous societies.
Poverty rate of 29%
Hildale faces a poverty rate of 29%, reflecting the economic challenges many residents in these towns experience. It is important to note that poverty in Hildale disproportionately affects children, with a higher poverty rate of 42% among children aged 17 and under.
Low crime rates
Despite its socioeconomic challenges, Hildale has managed to maintain low crime rates. With around 17 incidents per 1,000 people, mostly property crimes, the town is considered relatively safe.
Statistics of Colorado City
Similar to Hildale, Colorado City provides insight into the demographics and socioeconomic landscape of these polygamous towns.
Median age of 18
Colorado City has an even younger population, with a median age of 18. This reflects both the high birth rates and the replenishment of the population through migration and conversion.
100% white population
Like Hildale, Colorado City has a predominantly white population, with 100% of its residents identifying as such. This homogeneity persists throughout the polygamous towns in the region.
Per capita income of $10,000
Colorado City faces even greater economic challenges, with a per capita income of approximately $10,000 per year. This can be attributed to the communal living practices and large family sizes.
Poverty rate of 43%
The poverty rate in Colorado City is significantly higher than in Hildale, reaching 43%. This indicates that a large portion of the population struggles to meet their basic needs.
Low crime rates
Despite its economic challenges, Colorado City maintains low crime rates. This is a trend observed across the polygamous towns, with a crime rate of 17 incidents per 1,000 people.
Centennial Park: Transitioning away from Polygamy
Centennial Park, Arizona, offers an intriguing case study of a town in transition away from polygamy.
Formerly polygamous town
Centennial Park, much like Hildale and Colorado City, was once a fully polygamous town. However, changes have occurred, and the town is currently in the process of transitioning away from its polygamous past.
Absence of police force
One notable change in Centennial Park is the absence of a formal police force. Unlike Hildale and Colorado City, Centennial Park no longer maintains a separate police department, reflecting a shift towards a more conventional governance structure.
Possible former polygamist residence
As you drive through Centennial Park, you may come across a compound that is believed to have been a former polygamist residence. This serves as a reminder of the town’s history and the changes it has undergone.
Grocery store and other commercial establishments
Centennial Park, in its transition away from polygamy, has seen the establishment of commercial establishments such as a grocery store, Bee’s Marketplace. Additionally, a modern gas station and a Dollar General store have been established in the area, catering to the needs of the residents.
Overview of Centennial Park
Let’s take a closer look at Centennial Park and the unique characteristics that set it apart from Hildale and Colorado City.
Openly polygamous and welcomes questions from outsiders
Centennial Park openly embraces its polygamous lifestyle and is willing to answer any questions outsiders may have. This openness allows for a greater understanding of the community’s practices and beliefs.
High school graduation and age requirement for marriage
In Centennial Park, girls are required to graduate from high school and be over 18 years old before they can get married. This requirement shows an effort to ensure education and personal development before entering marriage.
Young population with median age of 16
Centennial Park has an exceptionally young population, with a median age of 16. This is reflective of the high birth rates and the prevalence of large families in the town.
Predominantly female population
Centennial Park exhibits a predominantly female population, with women making up approximately 53% of the town. This is a unique characteristic when compared to the broader demographics of the region.
Per capita and median household income statistics
Centennial Park faces economic challenges, with a per capita income of around $13,700 per year. However, the town’s median household income is significantly higher at $65,000 per year. This disparity reflects the communal living practices and large family sizes prevalent in the town.
High poverty rates, particularly among children
Centennial Park experiences high poverty rates, with approximately 22% of the population living below the poverty line. This socioeconomic challenge is even more pronounced among children, with a poverty rate of 33% among children aged 17 and under.
Low crime rate
Despite its economic challenges, Centennial Park maintains a low crime rate. With only 13 incidents per 1,000 people, mostly property crimes, the town remains a relatively safe place to live.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona, have a rich and complex history rooted in polygamous Mormon beliefs. While changes have occurred over the years, evidence of polygamous families can still be found in these towns. However, both communities are actively working to move away from their polygamous past and undergo a process of modernization. Centennial Park provides an intriguing case study of a town transitioning away from polygamy, openly embracing their lifestyle while also implementing changes to ensure education and personal development. These white polygamist towns on the Utah/Arizona border offer a fascinating glimpse into a unique way of life, accompanied by ongoing challenges, but also progress towards a more inclusive future.