Colorado City, Arizona
Colorado City, Arizona | ||
---|---|---|
FIPS code 04-14870 | | |
GNIS feature ID | 0003123[3] | |
Sales tax | 8.6%[6] | |
Website | tocc.us |
Colorado City is a town in Mohave County, Arizona, United States, and is located in a region known as the Arizona Strip. The population was 2,478 at the 2020 census.[4] At least three Mormon fundamentalist sects are said to have been based there.[7] A majority of residents and many local officials belong to the most prominent of these sects, the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, whose corporation also owned much of the land within and around the town until state intervention in the 2000s.
History
Colorado City, formerly known as "Short Creek" (or the Short Creek Community), was founded in 1913[8] by members of the Council of Friends, a breakaway group from the Salt Lake City–based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). The Council of Friends membership desired a remote location where they could practice plural marriage, which had been publicly abandoned by the LDS Church in 1890. On July 26, 1953, Arizona Governor John Howard Pyle sent troops into the settlement to stop polygamy in what became known as the Short Creek raid.[9] The two-year legal battle that followed became a public relations disaster that damaged Pyle's political career and set a hands-off tone toward the town in Arizona for the next 50 years.[10]
After the death of
In January 2004, local FLDS fundamentalist leader
Most of the property in the town was owned by the United Effort Plan, a real estate trust of the FLDS.[13] In 2007, the state authorities began dismantling church ownership of Colorado City lands.[14] The FLDS church retaliated and indoctrinated their followers against the state, believing they were being targeted because of their beliefs. The FLDS followers became further secluded as a result. Remaining FLDS members refuse to believe the charges against Jeffs.[15]
On April 6, 2010, law enforcement officials in Mohave County, Arizona, and Washington County, Utah, served five search warrants seeking records from town officers. The warrants were served on government officials and departments, including the Town Manager, David Darger, as well as Colorado City's fire chief Jacob Barlow. As a result of the initial warrants, the Hildale Department of Public Safety was shut down, and emergency responders were prohibited from responding to calls without the approval of county officials. Firefighter Glen Jeffs indicated that the warrants referenced "misuse of funds".[16][17]
In response to a civil rights lawsuit by the
On March 20, 2014, a jury hearing the case of Cooke et al v. Colorado City, Town of et al[19] ruled that the towns of Colorado City and Hildale had discriminated against Ronald and Jinjer Cooke because they were not members of the FLDS Church.[20] The Cookes were awarded $5.2 million for "religious discrimination".[20] The Cooke family had moved to the Short Creek area in 2008 but were refused access to utilities by the towns of Colorado City and Hildale.[21] As a result of the ruling, Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne issued a press release stating that he "wants to eradicate discrimination in two polygamous towns" and believes that the court ruling will give him the tools to do it.[22]
Geography and climate
Colorado City is located in northeastern Mohave County at 36°59′25″N 112°58′33″W / 36.99028°N 112.97583°W (36.99026, -112.97577) Its northern border is the Arizona–Utah state line, with the town of Hildale, Utah, to the north. Arizona State Route 389 passes through the center of town, leading east 31 miles (50 km) to Fredonia. To the north, Route 389 becomes Utah State Route 59, which leads northwest 22 miles (35 km) to Hurricane.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 8.924 square miles (23.11 km2), of which 0.008 square miles (0.02 km2), or 0.07%, are water.[2]
Colorado City has the typical cool
Climate data for Colorado City, Arizona (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1950–2012) | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Record high °F (°C) | 70 (21) |
78 (26) |
88 (31) |
90 (32) |
98 (37) |
105 (41) |
110 (43) |
105 (41) |
99 (37) |
94 (34) |
83 (28) |
70 (21) |
110 (43) |
Mean maximum °F (°C) | 62.0 (16.7) |
66.2 (19.0) |
74.0 (23.3) |
82.2 (27.9) |
90.7 (32.6) |
98.6 (37.0) |
102.5 (39.2) |
99.0 (37.2) |
94.3 (34.6) |
85.1 (29.5) |
72.2 (22.3) |
62.0 (16.7) |
103.0 (39.4) |
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 48.9 (9.4) |
53.3 (11.8) |
60.6 (15.9) |
67.6 (19.8) |
77.7 (25.4) |
89.4 (31.9) |
94.6 (34.8) |
91.9 (33.3) |
84.5 (29.2) |
72.4 (22.4) |
58.8 (14.9) |
48.4 (9.1) |
70.7 (21.5) |
Daily mean °F (°C) | 36.7 (2.6) |
40.5 (4.7) |
46.7 (8.2) |
52.7 (11.5) |
61.8 (16.6) |
71.9 (22.2) |
78.2 (25.7) |
76.7 (24.8) |
69.3 (20.7) |
57.4 (14.1) |
44.9 (7.2) |
36.1 (2.3) |
56.1 (13.4) |
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 24.5 (−4.2) |
27.6 (−2.4) |
32.9 (0.5) |
37.8 (3.2) |
46.0 (7.8) |
54.3 (12.4) |
61.7 (16.5) |
61.6 (16.4) |
54.2 (12.3) |
42.4 (5.8) |
31.0 (−0.6) |
23.8 (−4.6) |
41.5 (5.3) |
Mean minimum °F (°C) | 9.7 (−12.4) |
13.6 (−10.2) |
20.0 (−6.7) |
25.9 (−3.4) |
33.1 (0.6) |
41.2 (5.1) |
52.5 (11.4) |
52.5 (11.4) |
41.3 (5.2) |
28.4 (−2.0) |
15.8 (−9.0) |
8.2 (−13.2) |
5.0 (−15.0) |
Record low °F (°C) | −11 (−24) |
−4 (−20) |
6 (−14) |
13 (−11) |
22 (−6) |
28 (−2) |
40 (4) |
40 (4) |
29 (−2) |
6 (−14) |
1 (−17) |
−9 (−23) |
−11 (−24) |
Average precipitation inches (mm) | 1.33 (34) |
1.81 (46) |
1.67 (42) |
1.12 (28) |
0.56 (14) |
0.31 (7.9) |
1.22 (31) |
1.43 (36) |
1.48 (38) |
1.16 (29) |
1.10 (28) |
1.13 (29) |
14.32 (362.9) |
Average snowfall inches (cm) | 2.9 (7.4) |
3.6 (9.1) |
1.1 (2.8) |
0.6 (1.5) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.4 (1.0) |
0.7 (1.8) |
3.1 (7.9) |
12.4 (31.5) |
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 inch) | 5.6 | 7.5 | 6.3 | 4.7 | 3.2 | 2.6 | 4.8 | 6.5 | 4.1 | 4.8 | 4.0 | 5.1 | 59.2 |
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 inch) | 1.3 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 1.1 | 5.2 |
Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (mean maxima/minima 1981–2010)[24][25] |
Demographics
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1980 | 1,439 | — | |
1990 | 2,426 | 68.6% | |
2000 | 3,334 | 37.4% | |
2010 | 4,821 | 44.6% | |
2020 | 2,478 | −48.6% | |
2022 (est.) | 2,550 | [5] | 2.9% |
U.S. Decennial Census[26] 2020 Census[4] |
2000 census
As of the
Of the 444 households, 83.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 85.8% were married couples living together, 3.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 5.9% were non-families. 4.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 1.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 7.51 and the average family size was 7.58. Colorado City had the fourth-highest household size in the nation, based on the 2012 5-Year American Community Survey count of an average household size of 8.04 people by zip code tabulation area.[27]
In the town, the population was spread out, with 60.4% under the age of 18, 11.4% from 18 to 24, 20.2% from 25 to 44, 6.3% from 45 to 64, and 1.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 14 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.3 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $32,826, and the median income for a family was $32,344. Males had a median income of $24,429 versus $22,969 for females. The
The Colorado City/Hildale, Utah area has the world's highest incidence of fumarase deficiency, an extremely rare genetic condition which causes severe intellectual disability. Geneticists attribute this to the prevalence of cousin marriage between descendants of two of the town's founders, Joseph Smith Jessop and John Y. Barlow; at least half the area's roughly 8,000 inhabitants are descended from one or both.[28]
Government and infrastructure
The United States Postal Service operates the Colorado City, AZ/Hildale, UT Post Office in Colorado City.[29]
The town is policed by the Colorado City/Hilldale Police Department.[30]
The former Leroy S. Johnson Meetinghouse is now used as a local community center.[31]
Education
Colorado City is a part of the
The Arizona state government attempted to take over the district in 2005 due to mismanagement.[32][33][34]
In addition to the district public school, there is a charter school, Masada Charter School, serving students in grades K–9. The charter school is outside of the Colorado City town limits in the community of Centennial Park.
The Mohave Community College North Mohave Campus is in Colorado City.[35]
Notable people
- Carolyn Jessop, author, social activist
- Flora Jessop, author, social activist
Twin city
- Hildale, Utah – just over the AZ/UT border
References
- ^ "General Administration". tocc.us. Archived from the original on February 29, 2020. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
- ^ a b "2023 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
- ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Colorado City, Arizona
- ^ a b c "Explore Census Data". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
- ^ a b "City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2022". United States Census Bureau. February 10, 2024. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
- ^ "Colorado City (AZ) sales tax rate". Retrieved February 10, 2024.
- ISBN 1-4000-3280-6p.10
- ^ a b Zoellner, Tom (June 28, 1998), "Polygamy: Throughout its history, Colorado City has been home for those who believe in virtues of plural marriage", The Salt Lake Tribune, p. J1, Archive Article ID: 100F28A4D3D36BEC (NewsBank), archived from the original on May 5, 2000
- ^ Kelly, David (January 27, 2004). "The Eyes of Outsiders Are Cast on a Polygamous Community". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
- ^ Young, Neil (April 16, 2008), "Short Creek's Long Legacy", Slate, archived from the original on July 12, 2015
- ^ Duara, Nigel (March 10, 2016). "Polygamous sect's control of Utah and Arizona towns seems certain to end after jury's verdict". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
- ^ "The lost boys of Colorado City" Archived April 15, 2008, at the Wayback Machine by Kimberly Sevcik, Salon, July 6, 2006.
- ^ Montero, David (July 5, 2018). "Once zealously controlled by a religious sect, a small town tries to rehab its image — with beer". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
- ^ Polygamists get unusual offer, CNN (AP), January 10, 2008, archived from the original on May 12, 2008
- ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
- ^ Demasters, Tiffany (April 6, 2010). "Officials shut down Hildale public safety department". The Spectrum & Daily News. Archived from the original on October 22, 2014. Retrieved April 6, 2010.
- ^ Erin Taylor (August 18, 2011). "Colorado City chief indicted". Daily Miner.
- ^ Newcomb, Alyssa (July 7, 2012). "Outside Police to Patrol Polygamist Community". ABC. Retrieved August 12, 2012.
- ^ "Cooke et al v. Colorado City, Town of et al". Arizona District Court (azd) Docket Number: 3:10-cv-08105. Archived from the original on March 25, 2014. Retrieved March 24, 2014.
- ^ Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved March 24, 2014.
- ^ Dobner, Jennifer (January 29, 2014). "Arizona couple living near polygamous sect sues for discrimination". Reuters. Retrieved March 24, 2014.
- Salt Lake Tribune. Archived from the originalon March 25, 2014. Retrieved March 24, 2014.
- ^ "Colorado City, Arizona – Climate Summary". www.wrcc.dri.edu.
- ^ a b "NOWData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
- ^ "Summary of Monthly Normals 1991–2020". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
- ^ "Census of Population and Housing". census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
- ^ Average Household Size of Occupied Housing Units by Tenure. 2008–2012 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Geographies: Zip Code Tabulation Areas. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
- ^ "Forbidden Fruit" Archived April 20, 2015, at the Wayback Machine by John Dougherty, Phoenix New Times, December 29, 2005
- United States Post Office. Retrieved on March 20, 2011.
- ^ "Police Department". TOWN OF COLORADO CITY. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
- ^ "Heber Valley Radio". Heber Valley Radio. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
- ^ Arizona Wants Control Of Colorado City Schools, KUTV (AP), August 11, 2005, archived from the original on September 26, 2007
- ^ "State officials prepare to seize control of Colorado City school district". www.azstarnet.com. August 11, 2005.
- ^ Colorado City Response to 4-19-04 editorial Archived June 25, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "North Mohave Campus Archived November 27, 2010, at the Wayback Machine." Mohave Community College. Retrieved on March 20, 2011. "Street Address: 480 South Central, Colorado City, AZ 86021"
External links
- Media related to Colorado City, Arizona at Wikimedia Commons
- Colorado City travel guide from Wikivoyage