Cedar City was named by early settlers because of the abundance of
cedar (juniper) trees in the area. It was originally called Little
Muddy, then Coal Creek, from the creek where the town was first established.
Pioneers arrived on Nov. 11, 1851 and soon set up the first iron refinery
west of the Mississippi, using ore from the hills to the west and
coal from nearby Cedar Canyon. From its mining and farming roots Cedar
City has grown to one of Utah's most exciting cities. Home to the
world-renowned Utah Shakespearean Festival, the Utah Summer Games
and the American Folk Ballet, Cedar City is truly a "Festival City."
These events and dozens more like them throughout the year offer a
metropolitan lifestyle in this small town setting. Paired with Southern
Utah University, the community provides guests and residents alike
with a huge variety of cultural and recreational offerings, including
top-notch theater, NCAA Division 1 Sports, concert and lecture series,
and more.
