St. George was originally inhabited by the Native Americans.
It was founded in 1861 as a cotton mission. The city was incorporated in 1862.
It was named in honor of George A. Smith, a leader of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints. The St. George Utah Temple was completed in April
1877 and was the third temple established by The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints. St. George was named as the county seat for Washington
County in 1863.