Travel Guide Joseph City

St. Joseph City was founded in 1876 by settlers who were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormon Church) led by Captain William C. Allen. At first called Allen's Camp, the name was changed in 1878 to St. Joseph, and then in 1923 to Joseph City, to avoid any confusion with St. Joseph of Missouri. The Joseph to whom the city owes its name is Joseph Smith (1805-1844), the founder of Mormonism. The most difficult test for the newly settled settlers was to obtain water for their crops. They had to tame the tumultuous Little Colorado River. Eleven dams would fail in the decades following settlement. The dam that exists today dates from 1923. Although referenced in the town, the famous Jack Rabbit Trading Post with its giant rabbit sign is located 6 miles west.