Hanksville, Utah

Hanksville is a small town in east-central Wayne County, Utah located at the junction of Utah State Route 24 and Utah State Route 95. The town is just south of the confluence of the Fremont River and Muddy Creek, which together form the Dirty Devil River, which proceeds to the Colorado River. Hanksville is also near the Henry Mountains, site of the 1889 bromide mine opened by J. C. Summer and Jack Butler.

The town was settled in 1882, and known for a time for the name given to the surrounding area, Graves Valley, but was not incorporated until January 6, 1999. The Pony Express arrived in 1883, and the town took the name of Hanksville in 1885. The REA brought electricity to the community in 1960. Today agriculture, mining, and tourism are the main drivers to the local economy. The Mars Desert Research Station is located seven miles northeast of Hanksville.

Stats:

• Location: 38.3730379 -110.7140391 (38°22'22"N 110°42'50"W)
• Elevation: 4,291 feet (1,308 m)
• Population: 197 (2003 Census esimate; missed in 2000 Census)
• Airport: KHVE (ICAO ID)