About the Project
The project is a study on the culture and lifestyle of polygamy as it is practiced within some groups that were once affliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) (members are more commonly known as Mormons).
I have specifically researched two towns, Hildale and Colorado City, which lie on the Utah-Arizona border. Most of the land is owned by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS).
To see a map of Hildale in relation to the western half of the United States click here. To see a map of Hildale and Colorado City click here .
The FLDS practice and believe in plural marriage, specifically polygyny where one man takes multiple wives.
Overall, I have officially interviewed six people who have dealt directly with polygamy by either participating in it, having parents who participated in it, or helping individuals leave the community.
I have also unofficially spoken with four other individuals you have given brief comments on their experiences.
What is Polygamy?
The American Heritage Dictionary defines polygamy as, "The condition or practice of having more than one spouse at one time. Also called plural marriage."
There are two types of polygamy:
- Polyandry: where a woman has more than one husband.
- Polygyny: where a man has more than one wife.
Why I chose to do a project on polygamy
About seven years ago my mother moved to Southern Utah near Zion National Park. Since then I have spent my summers there. While living there I have always noticed a particular group of individuals who tended to stand out from the rest the community. I noticed these individuals because they wore plain clothing similar to what the early pioneers might have worn.
I was informed that these individuals belonged to communities in Hildale, UT, and Colorado City, AZ. These 'twin towns' (as they are called because of their geographical location to one another) are located less than an hour from where my family lives.
Over the years I have frequently traveled through this area and my stepfather has done business with one of the feed stores in town. I have always been fascinated with this group and have wanted to learn more about them.
