Iosepa

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Iosepa was the name of a settlement in Utah's Skull Valley, approximately 50 miles west of Salt Lake City, which was home to many Polynesian members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often called "Mormons").

Founded in 1889, Iosepa (pronounced "Yo-SEP-ah") was named in honor of Joseph F. Smith (1838 - 1918), one of the first missionaries from the Church to serve the Hawaiian people, and after his uncle, Joseph Smith, Jr (1805 - 1844), founder of the Church.

Considered an unsuccessful attempt at colonization, Iosepa was an extremely inhospitable location for any group of people. Most of the colonists were from Hawaii, though others were from different parts of Polynesia. At the height of population, Iosepa had approximately 230 residents.

Skull Valley is desert, unlike the islands which the Polyesians had left. Within 25 years the site was all but abandoned, as some residents moved to other parts of Utah and the rest went to Hawaii following the dedication of Laie, on the northern shore of Oahu, as the site for the first LDS Temple to be built outside of continental North America. In 1917, the land upon which Iosepa sat was sold to a livestock company.

In 1971, the site itself was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. As of 2004, all that remains of Iosepa are a few building foundations and the markers in the town's graveyard, which is surrounded by a chain-link fence. An historical marker gives a brief history of the settlement, which can easilly be reached by automobile.

A large cement pavilian and restrooms have recently been added to the site. Each Memorial day weekend hundreds of Polynesians and those interested in Polynesian history gather at the site for a luau and celebration of their heritage and history. Camping is encouraged and vistitors are always welcome.