Richard R. Kohler presents lecture on Cottonwood Canal at Silver Reef Museum
Richard R. Kohler will present a lecture on the Cottonwood Canal July 28 at 10 a.m. at the Silver Reef Museum.
In 1877, St. George leaders anticipated population boom. They knew that a new source of water was needed. They saw the springs at the base of the Pine View Mountains some 18 miles away and in 1879 recruited volunteers (shareholders) began surveys, plans, and cost estimates.
Local Shivwits tribe leaders told the surveyors that path selected was “uphill” and that the water would run “backwards” if they persisted, even before the canal’s completion. They began work on a dam above St. George where the canal’s water could be stored. But it never was. They called it “Hernia Dam.”
The open canal was finally piped with the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934.
Collaboration among many civic and federal government officials was absolutely necessary to complete this feat. Drinking water from this source still serves a large portion of downtown St. George to this day.
Kohler is an architect and historian currently serving as president of the Washington County Historical Society. He received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Utah and a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Hawaii, completing postgraduate studies at Harvard. His most recent book, “The Town Lot: A Little Piece of Zion” was published in 2013. Previously, “St. George: Outpost of Civilization” was published in 2011 celebrating the sesquicentennial of the founding of St. George in 1861. Richard Kohler’s architectural practice is geographically and technically diverse, ranging from Park City, St. George, Las Vegas, and San Diego.
Due to limited space, registration online is suggested online or by calling (435) 879-2254 The Silver Reef Museum is located at 1903 Wells Fargo Rd. in Leeds.
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