Moab — The Uranium Conspiracy

Your investigation begins at the Moab Information Center, established in 1991 at 25 E Center St. This building, erected in 1933 as a gas station, became the official starting point for Moab visitors. It houses exhibits on local mining history, including the 1950s uranium boom era. It is here that Gordon Babbel, a pioneer in uranium prospecting and developer of the portable Geiger counter, is said to have exchanged the first rumors about deposits, launching an era of prosperity that transformed the city of Moab and Utah.

Just 0.2 km along Center Street, the Museum of Moab awaits you at 118 E Center St. Opened in 1953 as the Moab Valley Historical Museum, it is housed in one of the oldest downtown structures, dating back to 1885. This historic site is a key stop on your thematic circuit, as it preserves artifacts from the 1950s uranium mining era, including Geiger counters and claim maps. Here you will discover how figures like Tex Hazel, founder of Texas-Zinc Minerals Corp, left their mark on this period.

Continue to the Grand County Courthouse, located 0.15 km from the Moab Information Center at 125 E Center St. This historic building, constructed between 1954 and 1956, is a striking example of mid-century modern architecture, funded by federal mining revenues. It is here that records of over 200 uranium claims staked between 1949 and 1958 are archived. The courthouse reflects the peak of the uranium boom, a pivotal moment for Moab's history and Utah's heritage.

The intersection of Center and Main Street, 0.3 km from your starting point, marks the location of the Old Spanish Trail Monument. Erected in 1959, this granite monument commemorates the trade route used from 1829 to 1848, which crossed the Moab area even before the discovery of uranium. Although predating the mining boom, this site is central to the historic Main Street corridor, which forms the heart of your scavenger hunt. It reminds you of Moab's importance as a historic crossroads, long before the arrival of prospectors.

Your journey concludes with a visit to Moab City Park, 0.8 km from the start at 600 Park Ave. This public green space, established in the 1930s, was an essential gathering place for the Moab community during the massive population growth (800%) due to the mining boom from 1952 to 1958. Located near the Colorado Riverway Trail access, it embodies the daily life of Moab residents during this period of transformation. This thematic circuit offers you a deep understanding of Utah's heritage and the impact of uranium on the city of Moab.