Issue 47.12
Part 2
However we do find a historical event that endeared George to the settling of St. George. The name of St. George was evidently chosen for the proposed city even before the families were called. Both Brigham Young and George A. Smith had previously visited the area and planned for a city where St. George presently stands. They also planned to reinforce the other settlements in Washington County which had dwindled in populations due to settlers departing and going back to their previous locations and elsewhere. The colony chosen by Brigham Young and other leaders, such as George A. Smith, were publically called in October general conference of the Church. The name of the proposed colony was referred to as “The Cotton Mission” as well as
“St. George.” A post office had been requested in October of 1861using the name of “St.
George.” That name must have been a recent determination, not a lingering idea. So, what had caused Brigham Young to consider the name of “St. George?” Little consideration has been given to an event which took place less than a year previous, which deeply involved those who chose the proposed name. This historical event that seems to initiate the naming of the city is
NOT a happy event. It does not illicit celebration and its memory did not find its way often into the historical record. The people of St. George were pleased to have their community bear the name of George, but the reasons for it being so named were not spoken nor officially recorded.
It must have been painful, but well known then, and understood by the saints in the territory. It did not need explanation as to its use. They only needed Brigham to give the indication as to the name selected. This is not the same as celebrating the name for Washington County, celebrated for the national hero George Washington. Little wonder we find little concerning the naming of the community in a celebratory manner of naming most other colonies and communities.
However, it is of great emotional origin, and the reason for Brigham to give it the name of George is significant.