Hurricane City

HURRICANE? Are there really hurricanes in Utah?” Well no. This is Utah, not Florida. “How did the town get the name Hurricane?” Legend has it that one windy day in the 1860’s Mormon leader Erastus Snow had a whirlwind blow the top off a buggy he was driving. He reportedly said, “Well, that was a Hurricane. We’ll name this the Hurricane Hill.”

We do have some very windy days, especially during the winter, when there can be gusts over 50 miles per hour.

By the way, Hurricane is pronounced “Her-ah-kun” by the locals. Don’t want you to sound like a tourist. Read about Hurricane’s history at Utah’s Dixie History. For another perspective read more at the Utah History Encyclopedia. To learn about Utah state history visit the Utah State History web site.

For a more intimate look at Hurricane’s history visit the Hurricane Valley Pioneer Heritage Park and Museum. You can take a walk to learn about the area’s historic buildings and get directions to the Hurricane Canal Trail. The Museum is located at 35 W State St. and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM.