TONAQUINT

Tonaquint (Washington) was a small 1855 pioneer settlement at the junction of Santa Clara Creek and the Virgin River. The settlement had several names, including Lower Clara because it was further down the creek from Santa Clara, Seldom Stop because it was away from the main line of travel, Never Sweat because it was a hot, sweltering place to live in, and Lick Skillet because the people were so poor that this is what one had to do to survive. It was first named for the small clan of Tonaquint Indians living there when Mormon missionaries arrived to help the Indians farm, build dams, and improve their lot. Tonaquint should not be confused with Tonaquint Station (Santa Clara).

John W. Van Cott