Settlement of Scipio

Thirteen Latter-day Saint families settled Round Valley in 1860. When Brigham Young came through in 1863, he judged their spot too exposed and walked the men out to the center of the valley, where he laid out a townsite, marked a public square, and gave the place its curious name: Scipio, after the Roman general. A single log room served for church, school, and every public meeting, and a bell — the one atop this monument — called the settlers together. An 1869 ward organized the young town for good.

What the plaque says

In 1860, thirteen Latter-day Saint families settled Round Valley. Brigham Young visited them in May, 1863, and advised, because of Indians, they move their settlement away from the mountain area. He accompanied the men to the center of the valley, laid out the townsite, designated the location for a public square and center of town, and named it Scipio. A log room was built, which served for church, school, and public meetings. In March 1869, an L.D.S. ward was organized with Daniel Thompson as first Bishop. The bell on top of this monument was used to call the people together.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Scipio — steps away
  A tiny crossroads town where I-15 meets the old highway
• Gunnison — 17 mi
  Sanpete's southern hub, home to Utah's oldest operating theater
• Sterling — 22 mi
  A highway hamlet and the doorway to Palisade State Park
• Mayfield — 23 mi
  Gateway to Twelve Mile Canyon and the Skyline Drive high country

More markers nearby

• Scipio Town Hall — steps away
• Dover Cemetery — 11 mi
• Gunnison Honor Roll — 16 mi
• Gunnison Valley Veterans Memorial — 16 mi