Lonely Dell Ranch Historic District

The Lonely Dell Ranch Historic District and Lee's Ferry includes a log cabin believed to have been built by John D. Lee, owner and operator of the Lees Ferry. Lee was a Mormon and lived at the ranch with his numerous wives. The ranch is a notable tourist destination because of the operation of the ferry, the interesting religious lifestyle of Lee, and the extensive irrigation system that was built into the property. The Lees arrived at the location in 1871 and the ferry continued to run until 1928. The ferry would move Mormon settlers across the Colorado River, but eventually tensions became unbearable between the native Navajo Indians and the settlers. It resulted in the building of a fort, and since no conflict broke out, the fort eventually became a trading post and later, a residence. Lee was executed in 1877 and the Mormon Church bought the ferry in 1879. The irrigation plan on the property was originally constructed by Lee and was the first earthen dam on the Paria River. The system was originally constructed of a variety of dams that washed out over the years. They were eventually replaced with a tunnel and flume system, although subsequent owners of the property attempted to restore the original dams.