Settlement of Hatch

Hatch began where the Sevier River does. In 1872 Meltiar Hatch settled at the river's head, near the meeting of Mammoth and Asay Creeks, running cattle and a water-powered sawmill; others followed, surveyed the land, and dug irrigation ditches. The first school met in Hatch's own home. When the church organized a ward here in 1892 it was called Mammoth, renamed Hatch in 1899 for the founder. Then the town picked itself up and moved: between 1901 and 1904, under Bishop Rasmus Lynn, the settlement relocated to its present site downstream, where Hatch stands today.

What the plaque says

In 1872 Meltiar Hatch settled at the head of the Sevier River, near the junction of Mammoth and Asay Creeks. He engaged in stock raising and operated a water-power saw mill. Soon other settlers came. Land was surveyed and irrigation ditches dug. Lime was burned by Neils P. Clove. First school was in the Hatch home, Abram Workman teacher. 1888 the Asay post office was transferred to Hatch, Neils Ivor Clove, Postmaster. In 1892 the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints organized Mammoth Ward, Aaron Asay, Bishop. 1899 the Ward name was changed to Hatch. 1901 to 1904, the town was moved to the present site under leadership of Bishop Rosmus Lynn. Written on cabin: Represents first public building erected about 1890

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Red Canyon — 9.1 mi
  A blazing red gateway carved by water and wind
• Panguitch — 12 mi
  A well-preserved pioneer town and gateway to Bryce Canyon
• Panguitch Lake — 12 mi
  A Blue Ribbon trout lake at 8,400 feet on the Patchwork Parkway
• Bryce Canyon National Park — 14 mi
  The largest collection of hoodoos on Earth

More markers nearby

• Hatch Ward Building and Bell — steps away
• Asay Settlement and Cemetery — 4.8 mi
• Panguitch Fort — 12 mi
• The Panguitch Quilt Walk — 12 mi