1872 Founding Family

John D. Lee arrived at this river bend in 1872 a fugitive, wanted for orchestrating the 1857 Mountain Meadows Massacre, where a Mormon militia killed roughly 120 California-bound emigrants. The ferry his church sent him to run doubled as a hiding place. His wife Emma held the operation together through his long absences; the law caught him in 1874 and executed him by firing squad in 1877. Emma stayed on at the ranch she named Lonely Dell until 1889, then sold and left.

What the plaque says

John D. Lee and wife Emma established this ranch to support their lives as river ferry operators. While living here, they shuttled wagon trains and travelers across the Colorado River on makeshift ferry boats and skiffs. The crossing became a key rustic outpost as settlers emigrated into Arizona. It also provided a veil over Lee, who arrived at the ranch a fugitive for his involvement in the 1857 Mountain Meadows Massacre. Lee's frequent absences left Emma and their children as the driving force behind all operations. The law caught up with Lee in 1874 and he was later executed. Warren Johnson arrived with his family in 1875 to assist Emma with the ferry. She continued on at Lonely Dell until 1879, sold the property, and left. More families would follow, called by their church to maintain the ferry's crucial link on the emigration trail.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Antelope Canyon — 12 mi
  Tsé bighánílíní — where the water runs through the rock

More markers nearby

• 1925 Polygamist Cabin — steps away
• Lonely Dell Ranch — steps away
• Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness — steps away
• Historic District River Trail — 0.6 mi