March 24, 1876, Mormon colonization in Arizona began here with the establishment of Ballanger's Camp, later Brigham City, by Lot Smith, Jesse O. Ballanger, George Lake, William C. Allen and others sent from Utah by Brigham Young. They also established Sunset, Allen's Camp, later Joseph City and Obed, all on the Little Colorado River. Dams made of brush and rocks were frequently washed out by floods causing the people to leave. About 40 pioneers are buried here.
