55 Minute Walking Tour Attraction

1. Sixtus Johnson

Built in 1891, the one-story native-brick house has a gable roof.

The foundation is built from native, red sandstone which was quarried nearby. The Home is called a hall and parlor house. The actual builder is not known.

Sixtus was born in 1870 in Virgin Utah. His father, Nephi, is credited for the discovery of Zion Canyon in 1858. He was employed by large cattle companies most of his life. Sixtus passed away in 1945.
Back to Map

2. Heritage House

This victorian House is the former home of two early pioneers in Kanab. Henry Bowman settled in Kanab in 1855 to teach school. He along with others, opened a successful mercantile business called Bowman & Company.

In 1894, he hired John Rider to build this beautiful home. Only two years later, when he was called on an L.D.S. Mission, he sold the home to Thomas Chamberlain.

The Heritage House is on the National Register and has been restored as it was when first built. It is a monument to the past. Within its walls is a collection of relics and souvenirs, not only of the people who lived there but of their friends and neighbors.

ALLOW ONE HOUR FOR COMPLETE TOUR
Back to Map

3. Rider-Pugh

The one-and-one-half-story brick with Victorian eclectic pyramid house with Victorian trim was built in 1892 by a local builder, John Rider was a probate judge for Kane County from 1889 to 1896. He sold the home to Edward Pugh, moved to Salt Lake City, and a few years later returned to Kanab.

Viola Rider, present owner of the home, is a direct descendant of Edward Pugh and her late husband was a descendant of John Rider.
Back to Map

4. Pugh Home

This home was built in 1906 by Charles Robert Pugh. The stone for the foundation came from the home his father, Edward Pugh. Edward Pugh built the first rock house outside of Fort Kanab.

Cecil Pugh, the current owner, followed in his father's (Charles R. Pugh) footsteps as stockman and rancher. He was Kane County Commissioner for two terms and played a large role on the Arizona Taylor Grazing Board (1935-1950). He and Berna have been active in the L.D.S. church and have served many positions. Verna and Cecil helped establish the Branch Genealogical Library in Kanab and were head librarians for 10 years.
Back to Map

5. Lewis Jepson Home

The Lewis Jepson home was purchased from John Stewart. The upstairs had one of the only two bathtubs in town. It was used as a baptismal font for the townspeople.

Lewis Jepson was a lifelong friend to Walt Hamblin, son of Jacob Hamblin.

The home was sold in 1924 directly to the railroad, where they operated a laundry service to clean all of the tourists clothing that were visiting the parks. The buses used the building as a resting stop for the tourists where they could enjoy some shopping in the gift shop located in the front of the building.

Lewis Jepson built the first motion picture theater in Kanab and installed the first individual electric light system in the community. Today it houses the Wok Inn Chinese Restaurant.
Back to Map

6. Bowman & Co Building

This building is one of the oldest buildings in Kanab. It was built in 1892, by H.E. Bowman & Co. It originally housed a general store. Groceries were sold on the main floor, shoes and fabric were upstairs. The ice factory is still in the basement which served as the only supplier of ice in the area. Later the building was taken over by the store's main creditor, Z.C.M.I., and was then acquired by the Pickett Lumber Company. For a time it also housed a modern cash grocery store. Later it became a machine and hardware store. The Picketts had a branch of a mortuary business in St. Georde which was operated there by Leo Chamberlain who was one of the clerks. It also operated as a bank. The old fashioned stage is yet intact on the main floor. Today it is the Cedar Post Pawn Shop.
Back to Map

7. Kanab Hotel

In 1929 Guy Chamberlain moved from Long Valley to Kanab and built a large hotel near the location where the old Highway Hotel had flourished. It was called the Kanab Hotel. His business was very successful for many years as it afforded splendid up-to-date accommodations. Many movie stars such as Clark Hable, stayed in one of the 11 rooms. There were only two bath tubs, one for the men and one for the women. In the early 1950's the hotel was modernized by placing individual shower stalls in-between the rooms. The rooms still remain along with the bath tubs on legs. Today it is the home of Terry's Camera Trading Co.
Back to Map

Kanab Business District

Along the beautiful streets of Kanab is a large array of restaurants, art galleries, gift shops, and other locally owned businesses.

Walk in the sunshine, take a breath of fresh air, and enjoy the shopping possibilities offered by our unique gift shops. Sit down, relax, and have a bite to eat at one of Kanab's fine restaurants. Or just relish the scenery of our remarkable little town. Thank you for visiting Kanab. Enjoy your stay!