About Brian Head
History of Brian Head
BRIAN HEAD, Utah The story behind Brian Head begins with the most basic element of folklore: the naming of the place. No one really knows the origin of Brian Head's unique name, but the stories of the names are often as interesting as the people that tell them.
Brian Head was originally known as Monument Peak and was used by early surveyors and expedition leaders as a point of reference. The name changed in the early 1900s. Exactly why the name changed, however, is subject to conjecture.
One story claims that famous explorer John Wesley Powell saw the peak above all the other mountains and named it after an official in the Geological Survey Office by the name of Bryan.
Another story claims that residents of neighboring Parowan changed the name in 1890 to Bryan Head in honor of an American politician named William Jennings Bryan.
Still another claims that the wife of a United States government official visited the area, didn't like the name of Monument Peak, and wrote letters to prominent government officials to change the name to Bryan Head (the spelling now obviously having changed to "Brian" Head).
The culture and diversity of Brian Head is as colorful as the folklore that surrounds the resort. As Brian Head grew, so did industry. Soon the area was teaming with farming, grazing and logging. There was even a small section of town known as Little Ireland that became famous for its world-class butter and cheese.
In Brian Head's early days, there was a hotel, restaurant and dance hall that were operated by Minnie Adams Burton. "Minnie's Mansion" became the gathering place for people from all around. On the 24th of July, an annual celebration commenced at Minnie's that brought sheep and cattle herders from miles around for huge breakfasts, horse racing, potato sack races, fireworks and dancing.
In more recent times, local resident Burt Nichols saw something in the beautiful slopes surrounding the town, and in 1964, he opened the Brian Head Resort with one chairlift, a T-bar and a warming house. Since then, the resort has expanded to more than 500 acres of skiable terrain.
For a town steeped in a history rich with culture, Brian Head's traditions live on. For the area's Fourth of July yearly celebration, the local fire department prepares a giant pancake breakfast, and the memories of Minnie's Mansion return with dances and fun for the entire family.
For more information about Brian Head, please call the Brian Head Chamber of Commerce at 435-677-2810.
