The Charming Small Town In Utah That Was Named After A Native American Chief
By Courtnie Erickson|Published August 10, 2022
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Utah has a rich pioneer history; because of this, many of our small towns are named after pioneers or pioneer families who settled an area. Many other town names — like Nephi, Lehi, and even Moroni — come from the Book of Mormon, scripture for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Kanosh is one small town in Utah that wasn’t named after pioneers or scripture. Rather, it is named after a Native American Chief.
Kanosh is a small town located in Millard County, approximately 15 miles south of Fillmore. This town is quite small with a population of fewer than 700 residents.
His tribe lived in the desert around Sevier Lake and once the pioneers came into the area, a struggle began.
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Chief Kanosh worked hard to build harmony and help his people survive as more and more settlers arrived. He even turned in six Pahvant tribe members who were supposedly involved in the killing of a U.S. surveyor captain and members of his party.
Chief Kanosh worked with church leaders like Brigham Young to end wars between settlers and Native Americans, and he even invited Mormon settlers to build a small town near his farm.
Chief Kanosh was described as a man of "ability" and "influence," and was eventually baptized and joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
As you drive throughout the small town of Kanosh today, you'll notice the influence of both Chief Kanosh and the pioneers. However, due to the small size of the town, there are not too many attractions that will capture your attention today.
But, within just a few minutes, you can drive to Meadow Hot Spring and the Territorial Statehood Museum in Fillmore. We also recommend driving around town to admire the architecture and to think about the influential individuals of this area decades ago — like Chief Kanosh.
