We have been "Honoring our Pioneer Forefathers in St. George and Washington City since 1933" — yes, for 92 years, with our chapter organized in its current form since 1989! We are one of 46 local chapter organizations and have been recognized annually with the "Chapter in Excellence" award.
Membership is open to sons (descendants) of Utah pioneers or to those men (and their wives) who just have an interest in promoting and honoring local pioneer heritage. We are actively engaged in Washington City Cotton Days, St. George City Dixie Days and local historical treks. We share pioneer histories and award approximately $15,000 dollars annually to local high school seniors and 2nd grade students.
You can also follow our Facebook page at Cotton Mission Chapter of Sons of Utah Pioneers. We would love to have you join us!
Brad Allen,
2025 Chapter President
The original charter of what was originally called the Dixie Mission Chapter, formed April 28, 1956.
The organizing meeting of the current chapter was held October 3, 1989 in the historic Washington County Courthouse. Verdell Hinton presided and conducted. There were 13 prospective members in attendance. They unanimously selected the name of "Cotton Mission" for the Chapter. Recruiting assignments were made. During the process of forming the Chapter, Verdell Hinton wrote a letter dated December 8, 1989 to invite prospective members to what was the second meeting, which was scheduled for December 14, 1989. At that meeting, Alan Ragozzine was elected president and Bart Anderson was elected vice-president with other offers to be chosen later.
Click on the button below to open the compiled history of the Cotton Mission Chapter for each year. The file will open in a new tab.