In 1850 Zenas Gurley and his family settled in this area. His charisma and leadership led several of the area's early settlers to convert to the Mormon faith. While worshiping on a site similar to this one, the scenic view led them to believe they had found their "Zion" or ideal society, which they called "Zarahemla" or "City of God." Zarahemla was short-lived, however, and would eventually become Blanchardville.