The Transformation of Hildale and Colorado City: A New Chapter Beyond the FLDS Era
Once known for their insular polygamous community, the towns of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona, are now experiencing a renaissance that has reshaped their identities. Nestled near the scenic Zion National Park, these towns now boast amenities like bars, a winery, and community sports—a stark contrast to their past under the dominance of a polygamous sect.
The shift began after the courts intervened to remove control from the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), led by Warren Jeffs, who is currently serving a life sentence for sexually assaulting minors. This judicial action catalyzed a rapid transformation, leading to the towns being released from court supervision two years ahead of schedule.
Willie Jessop, a former spokesperson for the FLDS who later distanced himself from the sect, described the towns’ evolution as “life after Jeffs” and remarked, “frankly, it’s a great life.”
A Dark Chapter in History
Despite some positive memories from former members, who recall communal care and sports, the towns’ history took a troubling turn when Jeffs assumed leadership in 2002. Under his rule, families were torn apart, children were removed from public education, and daily life was strictly controlled. “It started to go into a very sinister, dark, cult direction,” noted Shem Fischer, who left the church in 2000.
Founded in the 1930s by those wishing to continue polygamy, the towns operated under the radar of law enforcement until Jeffs’ extreme policies drew legal attention. His arrest in 2006, following charges of underage marriages, marked a turning point, leading to his conviction in 2011.
The Court-Ordered Reformation
The towns faced allegations of discrimination against non-FLDS residents, accused of withholding essential services. This led to a 2017 court-mandated supervision, which detached the church’s influence from local governance and established a community board to manage former church properties.
Roger Carter, the court-appointed monitor, described the towns’ transition to a “first-generation representative government” as a significant learning curve, with residents adapting to new norms of property ownership and civic management.
A New Normal
With the FLDS’ control dissipating, the towns have diversified. Hildale Mayor Donia Jessop, once estranged from her family due to church policies, noted the healing and reconnection among divided families. The tragic 2015 flood, which claimed 13 lives, served as a catalyst for community solidarity.
Isaac Wyler, expelled from the FLDS in 2004, shared that the towns now operate like any other, with typical businesses and services. The judgment he once faced due to his religious status has diminished, replaced by a more inclusive community atmosphere.
New residents, like Gabby Olsen and her husband Dion Obermeyer, have been drawn to the towns’ natural beauty and improved social climate. “When they all came down here, they’re all quite surprised. And you’re like, ‘Oh yeah, there’s a winery,’” Obermeyer said.
Challenges Remain
Despite progress, the towns encounter typical societal issues, including drug use, and some remnants of polygamy persist. Notably, a Colorado City sect member was recently sentenced for severe crimes involving underage girls.
Briell Decker, once a “wife” to Jeffs, now aids others leaving polygamy. She believes full recovery from the sect’s impact will take generations, as accountability and acceptance are still evolving within the community.
A Historical Timeline
July 26, 1953 – A raid on the Short Creek community, now Hildale and Colorado City, led to a media backlash that discouraged further legal action against polygamy.
November 2002 – Warren Jeffs rises to leadership of the FLDS.
June 2005 – Jeffs is charged with arranging marriages of underage girls, but initially evades capture.
Aug. 28, 2006 – Jeffs is apprehended during a traffic stop, ending his time as a fugitive.
Sept. 25, 2007 – Jeffs is convicted in Utah but is later freed due to legal technicalities.
April 2008 – A raid in Texas uncovers evidence leading to Jeffs’ conviction.
Aug. 9, 2011 – Jeffs receives a life sentence in Texas for assaulting two young girls.
March 7, 2016 – The Justice Department secures a discrimination verdict against the towns.
April 2017 – The court places the towns under supervision to reform governance.
July 2, 2025 – The towns are released from supervision, marking a new era.
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