Residents of Short Creek Adapt as Community Transforms From Polygamous Refuge to Tourist Town

Residents of the Short Creek community, encompassing the twin towns of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona, have witnessed a significant transformation over the years. Once a refuge for those practicing polygamy, the area has evolved into a tourist destination. The community, historically dominated by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS), has seen changes in leadership and lifestyle following the imprisonment of its former leader, Warren Jeffs, in 2002.

Esther Bistline, a resident and member of the FLDS, described the community’s past as one of safety and trust. “We always felt safe. Everyone knew everybody else,” she said. The FLDS maintained a strong influence over local governance and property through the United Effort Plan, a trust that controlled much of the community’s resources. The church also enforced strict rules, including the prohibition of public schooling for children and the construction of walls around homes.

The community’s isolation and religious practices were disrupted when Jeffs was sentenced to life in prison for sexual assault. This marked a turning point for Short Creek. In 2018, Hildale elected its first female mayor, signaling a shift in local leadership. The town has since embraced new economic opportunities, including the development of tourism infrastructure.

Cheyenne Oldroyd, manager of Water Canyon Resort, highlighted the community’s recent ventures into the hospitality industry. The resort, which owns 15 modern cabins, has become a hub for visitors. Oldroyd is also set to open the area’s first winery in the fall, featuring Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbera, and Sangiovese. The resort’s chimney, once a residence of Jeffs, bears the inscription “Pray and Obey,” a reminder of the community’s complex history.

The transformation of Short Creek reflects broader changes within the FLDS and its relationship with the outside world. As the community adapts to new realities, it continues to navigate the legacy of its past while embracing new possibilities.

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