FLDS Influence Wanes in Border Towns as Communities Evolve

Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona, lie in the shadow of red rock buttes, nestled near Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon. These border towns, once shunned by outsiders, have long been associated with the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or FLDS. The communities were built by a reclusive religious sect, with their development closely tied to Highway 59, which connects two of the most popular national parks in the western United States.

The towns have undergone a noticeable transformation. New construction is evident throughout Colorado City, where modern apartments now stand alongside older homes and cinderblock structures once used by polygamous families. The area, once isolated, is now seeing increased development and a shift in its social fabric. This change is reflected in the presence of businesses like a brewery and a bar, which mark a departure from the community’s previous identity.

The FLDS Church’s influence has waned since the conviction of its former prophet, Warren Jeffs, for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in 2011. This legal action marked a turning point for the group, leading to a decline in its public prominence. The community, once tightly controlled by the FLDS, has seen some members leave, contributing to a gradual shift in its demographics and social structure.

Kristen Reece, a 23-year-old resident, shared her personal experience of growing up in the area. She was born into the FLDS Church but noted that its presence in the town has diminished. Her mother left the community after several years, and her father followed. Reece’s story highlights the evolving nature of the town and the personal journeys of its residents.

The towns lack a hospital, and home births are common, reflecting the community’s historical self-sufficiency. As the area continues to change, the balance between preserving its past and embracing new developments remains a complex issue. The transition is not without challenges, as the community grapples with the legacy of its past and the realities of its present.

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