Happy TravellerWelcome to Cedar City, the largest city in Iron County, Utah, United States. Located 250 miles (400 km) south of Salt Lake City and 170 miles (270 km) north of Las Vegas on Interstate 15, Cedar City is a hub for tourism, commercial development, education, and the arts in southwestern Utah. With a population of 35,235 as of the 2020 census, Cedar City is home to Southern Utah University, the Utah Shakespeare Festival, the Utah Summer Games, the Simon Fest Theatre Co., and other events.
== History ==
Cedar City has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times, as evidenced by rock art found in Parowan Gap to the north and Fremont sites dated to A.D. 1000 and 1300. The area was also visited by the Domínguez–Escalante expedition in 1776. In 1826, mountain man and fur trader Jedediah Smith traveled through the area, exploring a route from Utah to California. Cedar City was settled in late 1851 by Mormon pioneers originating from Parowan, Utah, who were sent to build an iron works. The site, known as Fort Cedar or Cedar City, was equidistant from vast iron deposits 10 miles (16 km) west and coal resources 10 miles (16 km) east up Cedar Canyon, but was named after the abundant local trees (which are actually junipers instead of cedar). Cedar City was incorporated on February 18, 1868. The iron works closed in 1858, though mining continued in the area until the 1980s. The completion of a railroad connection to Cedar City in 1923 established the area as a tourism gateway to nearby Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, and Cedar Breaks National Monument.
== Geography and climate ==
Cedar City is located in the southeast Great Basin and is approximately 20 miles (32 km) north of the northeastern edge of the Mojave Desert. Its elevation of 5,846 feet (1,782 m) gives it a somewhat cooler climate compared to the nearby St. George region, though it retains cultural ties to the city. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 20.1 square miles (52 km2), all land. The climate is the typical semi-arid climate (BSk) of the Mountain West, though snowfall can be quite heavy, reaching a historical maximum of 36.9 inches (0.94 m) in January 1949.
== Demographics ==
As of the census of 2000, there were 20,527 people, 6,486 households, and 4,682 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,021.8 people per square mile (394.5/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 92.06% White, 2.53% African American, 1.11% Native American, 0.47% Asian, 0.33% Pacific Islander, 1.65% from other races, and 1.86% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.14% of the population. The median income for a household in the city was $32,403, and the median income for a family was $37,509.
== Education ==
Cedar City is served by the Iron County School District and is home to two high schools, Cedar High School and Canyon View High School. Cedar City is also home to Southern Utah University.
== Economy ==
The economy of Cedar City is mostly centered on a small manufacturing hub, tourism, Southern Utah University, and home construction. The largest employers in Cedar City (2019 data) are listed below:
– Southern Utah University
– Iron County School District
– Walmart
– Intermountain Healthcare
– Cedar City Hospital
– Family Dollar
– Lin’s Fresh Market
– Home Depot
– Lowe’s
– Smith’s Food and Drug
== Notable people ==
– Christine Cavanaugh (1963–2014), voice actress in Dexters Laboratory and Rugrats
– Lamar Clark, boxer
– Ally Condie, author of the best-selling Matched series and the book Atlantia; born in Cedar City
– Melvin Dummar (1944-2018), claimed to be an heir of Howard Hughes; born in Cedar City
– Riley Griffiths, teenage actor best known for his role in the 2011 film Super 8; born in Cedar City
– Nadine Hansen, website Mormonsfor8.com founder
– Mike Leavitt, former governor of Utah, former administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and former secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; born and educated in Cedar City
– L. E. Modesitt Jr., science fiction and fantasy author; lives in Cedar City
– Doug Murdoch, professor at Southern Utah University
– Del Parson, artist most known for his depictions of Jesus Christ; lives in Cedar City
– Helen Foster Snow, journalist who reported from China in the 1930s under the name Nym Wales on the developing revolution in China and the Korean independence movement; born in Cedar City. There is currently a statue of her at the intersection of Main Street and 200 North.
– Mitch Talbot, professional baseball player in Major League Baseball as a pitcher; born in Cedar City
== Transportation ==
Interstate 15 connects Cedar City with St. George (50 miles) and Las Vegas (170 miles) to the southwest, and to Interstate 70 (75 miles) and Salt Lake City (250 miles) to the north. State roads connect Cedar City with Panaca, Nevada, near US 93 (80 miles); and to Kanab, via US-89 (80 miles). Cedar City Regional Airport offers flights via Delta Connection. Cedar City is served by a local bus system.
== Attractions ==
Cedar City is home to several attractions that draw visitors from all over the world. The Utah Shakespeare Festival, held annually from June to October, is one of the most popular events in Cedar City. The festival features performances of Shakespearean plays, as well as other classic and contemporary works. The Utah Summer Games, held annually in June, is a multi-sport event that attracts athletes from across the state. Other popular attractions in Cedar City include:
– Cedar Breaks National Monument
– Brian Head Ski Resort
– Frontier Homestead State Park Museum
– Southern Utah Museum of Art
– Three Peaks Recreation Area
Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a lover of the arts, Cedar City has something for everyone. Come visit this charming city and discover all that it has to offer!
