Known initially as Hatch or Hatchtown, the town was created Meltiar Hatch and his two wives, Mary Ann and Permelia, and their children. It was an order by the Church of Latter-Day Saints leaders to settle the Dixie Mission. The three thought they were in Utah, but redrawn boundary lines had put the settlement in Nevada.
After discussions with Brigham Young, everyone decided to move back to Utah. The first move was to Panguitch in South Utah. Later, the family moved 20 miles to the south where Mammoth Creek connects with the Sevier River. Other settlers also began moving into the area. The Hatch home was the central location of both LDS worship and school sessions. This is why the town was named Hatchtown.
In the early 1900s, The Upper Sevier Reservoir Company decided to build a dam despite the fears of the community. In 1903, the dam broke. It was rebuilt, and then the dam broke again in 1914. During the second dam break, many homes were destroyed, and people were left homeless. This was one of the reasons that the town was moved one and a half miles south of the original location. The town of Hatch was incorporated on January 3, 1934.
Historical Marker Inscription
In 1872 Meltiar Hatch settled at the head of the Sevier River, near the junction of Mammoth and Asay Creeks. He engaged in stock raising and operated a water-power sawmill. Soon other settlers came. Land was surveyed and irrigation ditches dug. Lime was burned by Neils P. Clove. First school was in the Hatch home, Abram Workman teacher. 1888 the Asay post office was transferred to Hatch, Neils Ivor Clove, Postmaster. In 1892 the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints organized Mammoth Ward, Aaron Asay, Bishop. 1899 the Ward name was changed to Hatch. 1901 to 1904, the town was moved to the present site under the leadership of Bishop Rosmus Lynn.
Erected by The Daughters of Utah Pioneers in 1964, No. 292
Location
37° 38’ 59.280” N, 112° 26’ 4.482” W
2–24 W Center St, Hatch, UT 84735, United States
Historical Markers of the World 