Why Is St. George, Utah Called St. George? The True Story of Faith, Frontier, and the 'Potato Saint'

A City with Pioneer Roots and a Surprising Name

Nestled in the red rock landscapes of southern Utah, St. George stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of early pioneers. But how did this city acquire its name? The story intertwines faith, frontier challenges, and a touch of humor.​

Honoring a Pioneer Leader: Apostle George A. Smith

The most widely accepted origin of St. George's name is its dedication to George A. Smith, an apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and a cousin to church president Brigham Young. In 1861, during the October general conference, approximately 300 families were called to settle in the southern part of Utah Territory to cultivate cotton, earning the region the nickname "Utah's Dixie".

George A. Smith played a pivotal role in this colonization effort. His leadership and dedication to the southern settlements earned him the affectionate title "Father of the South." Historian Andrew Jenson noted that from the very beginning, the location was named St. George in honor of Apostle George A. Smith.

The Unlikely Nickname: “The Potato Saint”

While Apostle George A. Smith was a man of vision, strategy, and spiritual leadership, his most legendary title among Utah’s southern settlers wasn’t “Elder” or “Pioneer General.” It was—believe it or not—**"The Potato Saint."**

Yes, really.

Battling Scurvy in Utah’s Dixie

In the early 1860s, when Brigham Young called hundreds of families to settle what would become St. George, the region was anything but paradise. The southern Utah desert was hot, dry, and unforgiving. The settlers, many of whom were immigrants or second-generation pioneers, were sent to grow cotton in what was dubbed “Utah’s Dixie.”

But along with heat and backbreaking labor came something even more dangerous: Scurvy, caused by a lack of vitamin C, was a recurring problem among frontier communities with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Symptoms included fatigue, bleeding gums, and eventually death if untreated. With crops failing and citrus far out of reach, panic and illness began to spread.

George A. Smith, a trusted apostle and senior church leader, visited the southern settlements on assignment. Though not a physician, he was deeply practical and knew the importance of nutrition—especially when your congregation was keeling over.

A Life-Saving Suggestion: Eat Raw Potatoes

He recommended something radical for the time:

 “Eat raw potatoes. Peel them if you must, but better not to.”

It turns out that raw potatoes, particularly unpeeled, are a modest but vital source of vitamin C, and his advice helped pull many from the brink of scurvy. While it may not sound like frontier medicine, the humble spud saved lives.

A Nickname with Lasting Impact

Grateful settlers, with their health improving and humor intact, began calling Smith “The Potato Saint.” The nickname was both reverent and tongue-in-cheek, a testament to his ability to lead with wisdom, compassion, and the occasional agricultural hack.

Imagine: a revered church leader, remembered not just for sermons or strategy, but for pointing to a dirty root vegetable and saying, _“Trust me on this one.”

The “Potato Saint” label might seem humorous today, but it tells us a lot about Smith’s relationship with the people. He wasn’t just a distant authority figure, he was someone who rolled up his sleeves, visited struggling communities, and offered solutions that were accessible, realistic, and sometimes a little odd.

And in an era of hardship, those are the kinds of leaders people remember.

Legacy of a Name and a City That Endures

While St. George, Utah, is officially named in honor of George A. Smith’s broader role as “The Father of the Southern Settlements,” the tale of the “Potato Saint” is a cherished part of local lore. It adds a human and humorous touch to a man whose impact was far-reaching.

To this day, historians still chuckle over the story, and some local tours and historians reference the tale when explaining how the city got its name. It's proof that even in the dusty pages of pioneer history, there's always room for a little spud-inspired saintliness.

Regardless of its naming origins, St. George has grown from its humble beginnings into a vibrant city known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and strong community spirit. Landmarks like the St. George Utah Temple, completed in 1877, stand as testaments to the dedication of its early settlers.

Take a Deeper Dive into Haunted History

Want to hear stories like this (and even spookier ones)?

Join us for a night of ghostly tales, pioneer legends, and eerie encounters on a St. George Ghost Tour. Learn the lesser-known stories of the people and places that shaped this historic town—including more about the quirky, clever, and sometimes ghostly figures who still linger today.

Tours run Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM.

🎟️ Book your tour now at: www.stgeorgeghosttours.com

Experience St. George like never before—through the footsteps of those who came before… and never left.