Climate
Silver Reef is located in one of the driest and hottest parts of the state of Utah; summer temperatures often rise above 100 °F (38 °C). Temperatures of 50 °F (10 °C) or above can occur during the winter, but nighttime winter temperatures occasionally drop below 0 °F (−18 °C). Silver Reef receives about 12 inches (30 cm) of precipitation annually. It is not unusual to see an inch or more of snow in the winter. July has the warmest average temperature, 99 °F (37 °C), and December is coldest, with an average temperature of 53 °F (12 °C). The highest recorded temperature was 114 °F (46 °C), in July 2001, and the lowest recorded temperature was −2 °F (−19 °C), in January 1963.[11]
Demographics
The Silver Reef area was first inhabited by Anasazi Native Americans between about 200 AD and 1300 AD. The Anasazi were nomads who followed the migration of the animals they hunted, typically deer, mountain sheep, elk, and jackrabbits.[18] They were also farmers and gardeners, growing corn, wheat, rye, and barley.[19] Many were potters, and pottery can be found in abandoned villages.[20] The Anasazi usually constructed temporary dwellings out of sticks and leaves, often using bark for the roofs. Occasionally they built more permanent dwellings out of rocks, usually along the side of a mountain, often large enough to accommodate several families. Storage pits were often placed behind the rock dwellings. Settlements were typically small, as food was scarce.[21] A group of Virgin Anasazi lived in what is now the Red Cliffs Anasazi Site in Red Cliffs Recreation Area.[9]
Silver Reef was first settled in 1875; by the 1880 Census, 1,046 people were living there,[13] and a local census taken in 1884 gave a population of 1,500.[12] By 1890, after most of the mines had closed, the population had dropped to 177,[13] and by 1900, only lessees of the mines were living there.[14] In 1916, Alex Colbath organized the Silver Reef Consolidated Mining Company.[8] Several miners moved in to work for Colbath,[15] who lived in the town with his wife, Mayme, until the 1950s.[16] After the Colbaths' departure, Silver Reef was completely abandoned. Subdivision of the land, planned in the 1960s, was finalized by 1980.[17] During the Census of 1990, 50 people lived in Silver Reef, and today Silver Reef is considered a part of Leeds.[12]ilver Reef was first settled in 1875; by the 1880 Census, 1,046 people were living there,[13] and a local census taken in 1884 gave a population of 1,500.[12] By 1890, after most of the mines had closed, the population had dropped to 177,[13] and by 1900, only lessees of the mines were living there.[14] In 1916, Alex Colbath organized the Silver Reef Consolidated Mining Company.[8] Several miners moved in to work for Colbath,[15] who lived in the town with his wife, Mayme, until the 1950s.[16] After the Colbaths' departure, Silver Reef was completely abandoned. Subdivision of the land, planned in the 1960s, was finalized by 1980.[17] During the Census of 1990, 50 people lived in Silver Reef, and today Silver Reef is considered a part of Leeds.[12]
Climate & Demographics
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1903 Wells Fargo Rd., Leeds, UT 84746
