Uniquely Us

Aurora is a small community of approximately 1000 residents in the Sevier Valley, surrounded by mountain ranges and national forests, with the Pahvant Range on the west and the Manti LaSal National Forest on the east

There are three canals located within the city, the Vermillion, west of main street, Piute, west of town, and Rocky Ford, east of main street. These are integral in sustaining the city's agricultural and community needs.

Aurora is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, whether it is riding, camping or hiking. It is part of the ATV Paiute Trail systems, offering two trailhead locations - west of town and east of Hwy 89.

Aurora offers a beautiful park for many family/community activities and gatherings, along with a large sports field, a large pavilion with tables, and two buildings available to rent.
 

History

Written by Ila Shepherd - The first group of pioneers came to Aurora on March 9, 1875. The town was originally called "Willowbend" because the settlers formed their houses along a big bend of the Sevier River.(1)

In 1879 the settlers bought a small canal that had been dug by Dr. Coons and Sons. It was enlarged, providing more water for their crops. Later, two more canals were dug. This gave the valley a good water supply and fulfilled a prophecy that the valley would be farmed from mountain to mountain.(2)

Founding Families

While riding through the Aurora valley, George T. Holdaway, J. Alma Holdaway and Elliott Newell of Provo, Utah, noticed fertile soil and an abundance of water and decided to begin a settlement here. They traveled home and encouraged others to join them. On March 25, 1875, they returned with Franklin Hill, Ezra H. Curtis, his sons, and wife, Julia. Julia, the only woman in the area for six months, lived in a wagon box until a log cabin was built for her. Soon others came to build homes and farm the land. They named their community "Willow Bend".(2)

George Timothy Holdaway was the first man to come to Aurora and stay on March 9, 1875.

Compiled by Rosemarie Van Dyke, Aurora Historian, December 12, 2024