Bluff, Utah, looking south. A frontier outpost in 1880, the town had evolved into a more settled community by 1908 when this photograph was taken. USHS collections.
Murder, Mayhem, and Mormons: The Evolution of Law Enforcement on the San Juan Frontier, 1880-1900 BY T H O M A S E. A U S T I N A N D R O B E R T S. M C P H E R S O N
SOUTHEASTERN U T A H IS A STUDY IN MARKED CONTRAST. In some areas there is the beauty of lush green alpine meadows, while only a few miles removed lies the stark red landscape of sand and slickrock desert. Mountain drainages consist of deep canyons, many of which are impassable. This country literally stands on edge. In many instances it
Mr. Austin is the sheriff of Blanding, Utah, and Mr. McPherson teaches for the College of Eastern Utah—San Juan Campus. A version of this paper was presented by Mr. Austin at the 1986 annual meeting of the Utah State Historical Society.
