Haunted or Historic? Torrey Utah
Located in Torrey Utah on State Route 24 in Wayne County Utah stands one of only a dozen known remaining structures built in the initial settlement phases of the Mormon Pioneers (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). And is the only known log meetinghouse still standing in the state of Utah. Construction commenced in 1898 by the local settlers who provided the cash, materials and labors for this structure. It served as a meetinghouse, church house, and civic center for the community of Torrey until the 1970's.
Unique to this structure is its half-dovetailed notching and its square bell tower.
This 1914, schoolhouse was once the lifeblood of Wayne County attracting the likes of Butch Cassidy and other known ruffians. Weekend dances, country bands and boxing matches once echoed from the halls of this sandstone structure.
While the 2010 census reported a population of 182, the echoes of this town are much larger. In fact, initially Torrey was named Youngtown after John Willard Young, but they was renamed for Jay L. Torrey of the Wyoming Legislature. Torrey achieved and proposed the creation of calvary regiments composed of stockmen and cowboys. Torrey became the Colonel of the 2nd regiment known as "The Rocky Mountain Rough Riders."
Quite a fitting name for a small town whose doors welcomed all sorts of their own "ruffians."
A quiet drive through this town provides echoes of the ruffian days, a few structures along the main road wave to the passerby and the graveyard houses those whose history may not be as acclaimed as Butch Cassidy, but worth a stop just the same.
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