Colorado City, AZ – September 28, 2025
This month, Colorado City, Arizona, proudly marks the 40th anniversary of its incorporation on September 16, 1985, a pivotal moment that transformed the small community on the Arizona-Utah border into a recognized municipality. The journey to incorporation faced challenges and resistance, as detailed in Mohave County records and reflections from Daniel Barlow Sr., the town’s first mayor.
The push for incorporation began in the summer of 1985 with a petition submitted to the Mohave County Board of Supervisors. On September 3, 1985, Claude Keller, an attorney representing Tim Shumway from St. George, Utah, noted objections from the Black family of Colorado City, who opposed the proposed incorporation. Despite this, the Board unanimously acknowledged the petition, referring it to the County Attorney for review and the County Recorder for signature verification.
On September 16, 1985, the Board addressed the petition again. Attorney Charles Ditsch, representing the petitioners, advocated for boundaries covering approximately six square miles along the state line. Attorney Ted Shumway, representing local ranchers, opposed including nine square miles of uninhabited grazing land. After discussion, Supervisor Foster moved to declare Colorado City incorporated, excluding the contested land. The motion passed with Supervisors Foster, D’Alessandro, Rose, and Chairman Holt voting in favor, and Supervisor Roper voting against.
That same day, the Board appointed the first interim city council: Daniel Barlow Sr., Bygnal Dutson, Terrill Johnson, Richard Holm, Floyd Black, Edson P. Jessop, and Karen L. Barlow. On September 25, 1985, the council convened its first meeting in the old school building on Colvin Street, now home to the Colorado City Police Department. Judge I. McKay Heaton swore in the council members, and they appointed Daniel Barlow Sr. as mayor.
In a interview with the UZona Record, Dan Barlow explained that the primary goal of incorporation was to secure local funds to support the community’s needs. He credited the League of Arizona Cities and Towns for providing critical guidance during the process. Barlow, already a prominent figure as chief of the Colorado City Fire Department and a member of the Colorado City School Board, worked closely with Kevin Barlow, the appointed clerk, to develop the town’s municipal codes. They drew inspiration from codes used by other small Arizona towns, adapting them to fit Colorado City’s unique context.
The incorporation faced resistance from some residents who feared it was an attempt to control the United Effort Plan (UEP) Land Trust, which held most of the property in the valley at the time. Barlow addressed these concerns, emphasizing that the goal was community development, not control over the UEP. To further support the town’s growth, Barlow actively participated in the Western Arizona Council of Governments (WACOG), which provided valuable resources and support. One of the town’s first achievements was paving Colvin Street in front of the school building, marking a significant step in improving local infrastructure.
Today, as Colorado City reflects on 40 years as an incorporated town, it celebrates the resilience and vision of its early leaders. Despite initial opposition, the efforts of Daniel Barlow Sr., Kevin Barlow, and their fellow council members laid the foundation for a community that continues to grow and adapt on the Arizona-Utah border.
Sources: Mohave County Board of Supervisors meeting minutes, September 3 and 16, 1985; UZona Record interview with Daniel Barlow Sr
