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Moab was established during the 1800s, serving as a crossing along the Old Spanish Trail. Although Mormon settlers attempted to establish a trading post and fort at the river crossing called "Elk Mountain Mission," in 1855, the fort was abandoned due to repeated Indian attacks over the years. Later, in 1878, a permanent settlement was made by settlers, and Moab became a town on December 20th 1902.
As new railway construction for crossings over the Colorado River commenced, trade routes began to shift away from Moab, forcing farmers and merchants to adapt in how they made their living. Over time, Moab's origins as one of the few natural crossings of the Colorado River were forgotten.
Moab's economy was originally based on agriculture, but migrated towards mining in the 1920s. Uranium and vanadium, potash and manganese were discovered. In later years, oil and gas were discovered as well. Another form of economy came from the movie industry. In 1949, Western movie director John Ford was talked into using the area for the movie Wagon Master. Since then, many movies have been filmed in Moab, using the sandstone cliffs and sagebrush prairie for the backdrop.
Since the 1970s, Moab has shifted from agriculture to mining, and even been used for movies. Currently, tourism has become a major part of the local economy. The areas surrounding Moab have become a favorite for photographers, river-rafters, as well as hiking and mountain biking.
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