New Castle Reclamation Company Project (1905–1935)

Presented by Jerry Atkin – February 15, 2025

Our February "Third Weekend Event" featured Jerry Atkin, who brought to life the ambitious—and ultimately unsuccessful—efforts of the New Castle Reclamation Company to tame arid land in Southern Utah between 1905 and 1935. Drawing from extensive research and historical documents, he outlined how the company aimed to deliver irrigation infrastructure to transform desert terrain into productive farmland.

Atkin detailed the key phases of the project, including early planning, engineering challenges, financial struggles, and the human stories behind the dreams of pioneering settlers. His talk highlighted innovative engineering attempts, like early canal systems and diversion efforts, alongside the economic and environmental obstacles that ultimately led to the project's abandonment.

This deep dive into reclamation history offered thought-provoking parallels with today's water management challenges—while shedding light on the perseverance and ingenuity of local pioneers.

Jerry Atkin shares his research on the New Castle Reclamation Company (1905–1935).

The audience engaged both visually and textually with the history of the New Castle Reclamation Co.

Jerry Atkin speaks on a little-known chapter of Southern Utah history during our third weekend event

Watch the full presentation below: