Page Contents for Hanksville, Utah

Statistics & Facts

Location

History & History-related items

City Attractions

Government

Organizations, Churches, and Sports.

Schools.

Miscellany

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Statistics & Facts

The Utah state capital is Salt Lake City.
The population of Hanksville is approximately 362 (2000), 219 (2010).
The approximate number of families is 202 (2000), 81 (2010).
The distance from Hanksville to Washington DC is 1900 miles.
The distance to the Utah state capital is 238 miles. (as the crow flies)
Hanksville is positioned 38.22 degrees north of the equator and 110.42 degrees west of the prime meridian.
Hanksville elevation is 4,125 feet above sea level.

Location

in southeastern Utah desert east of Loa, the county seat. It is along highway 24 between Lake Powell and Capitol Reef National Park. Hanksville is located about one hour from Lake Powell. Here is a map page for the area.
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History & History Related Items

Here is a good history page by the students of Hanksville Elementary.

This remote area was known as Graves Valley until the late 1800's. This name was given by John Wesley Powell survey expedition member, Walter Graves, who had mapped the region. In 1882, a group led by Ebenezer Hanks came into the valley to settle. Homes were built and the little community grew. Founder, Hanks, died after a fall only two years after he arrived. In 1885, when the first post office was built, the name was changed from Graves Valley to Hanksville to honor the late founder, Hanks. By 1890 there were about 20 families in residence. The area was slow to develop due to its remote location.

Utilities which are today taken for granted came slowly to Hanksville. Phone service started in 1913 and was finally updated in 1960. The community did not have electricity until 1960. Most residents used generators for their electricity needs. Mining was a major activity in this area. The Bromide mine in the Henry Mountains was opened in 1889. The ore was treated at Crescent Creek. Today, not only mining, but also agriculture and tourism are the center of the area's economy.

This page tells of Legends in Hanksville
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Attractions

Goblin Valley State Park
located between Green River and Hanksville off State Route 24. The park has 3,014 acres. Eroded rock formations make great photographic opportunities. Hiking trails abound. The park is open year-round. There is a campground, rest rooms, showers, disposal station and more

Capitol Reef National Park
20 miles west of town on Highway 24. The park has 241,874 acres with hiking and wildlife abounding.
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Hanksville City Government

Town of Hanksville
P.O. Box 127
Hanksville Utah 84734-0127
Phone: 435-542-3451
Email

Hanksville Schools

Hanksville Elementary School

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Wayne School District Hanksville

Miscellany

The population of Hanksville was:
1990 - 324
2000 - 362