These early pioneers
of Price experienced much hardship. Food was in short supply, and crops
were difficult to grow because of a lack of irrigation water. Water
had to be carried from the river in barrels and tanks. An irrigation
ditch to carry water to the fields was of utmost importance. Construction
of two ditches began in February 1879 when Caleb Rhoades and Frederick
Grames began the project. A community effort eventually finished the
two ditches, but it wasn't until the Price Water Company Canal was finished
in 1888 that the irrigation problem was solved. The canal is still in
use today.
The character
of Price changed dramatically with the completion of the railroad in
1883. Price was quickly transformed from an isolated farming community
to the commercial hub of Castle Valley. The railroad was directly responsible
for Price becoming the retail, political, educational, and cultural
center of the area. The railroad also opened up the nearby coal mines,
which brought thousands of foreign-born, non-Mormon immigrants to work
the mines. Originally these miners lived in the coal camps near the
mines, but Price gradually assimilated many of them, reflecting the
ethnic diversity of the county and becoming a cultural hub as well.
These immigrants came from many countries, but the majority were Greek,
Italian, Austrian, and Japanese. This diversified population has remained
today, making Price one of Utah's most culturally complex and varied
communities.
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