The true story of Mary Parker’s murder, the man they said she bewitched, and the fear that haunted Southern Utah.

This episode of What Once Was unravels one of Southern Utah’s most chilling frontier murders: the killing of Mary Parker in 1880 just outside of what would later become Zion National Park.

This story covers the rumors of witchcraft that surrounded her, and the trial of the man accused of her death. Through historical newspapers, family records, and Mormon folklore, we explore how fear, faith, and superstition collided in these small desert towns along the Virgin River and impacted the towns of Rockville and Springdale.

🎧 Join the community: → Become a patron: https://patreon.com/whatoncewas → Follow on Instagram: @whatoncewas.podcast

The stories I share are based on old records, newspapers, local legends, and oral histories. While I do my best to tell them truthfully, some details may be lost to time.

Please remember—many of the places we mention are on private land. Don’t trespass or go exploring without permission. Let’s keep history alive without disturbing what’s left of it.

Intro music is "A Calm Hellfire" by the Wayward Hearts

Beneath the towering cliffs of Zion National Park, a small farming town learned to survive floods, famine, and tragedies. This episode of What Once Was uncovers the forgotten story of Springdale, Utah—from its early Mormon pioneer settlers and water-powered mills, to its midwives, miracles, and devastating disasters that shaped life along the Virgin River.

You’ll hear how a community of farmers and craftsmen became the Gateway to Zion, weathering the floods, the rise and fall of Cable Mountain’s flying lumber, the building of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, the arrival of the CCC, and the sacrifices of World War I and II.

It’s a story of faith, family, and transformation—where joy became the answer to sorrow, and a canyon became a sanctuary for the world.

🎧 Join the community: → Become a patron: https://patreon.com/whatoncewas → Follow on Instagram: @whatoncewas.podcast

The stories I share are based on old records, newspapers, local legends, and oral histories. While I do my best to tell them truthfully, some details may be lost to time.

Please remember—many of the places we mention are on private land. Don’t trespass or go exploring without permission. Let’s keep history alive without disturbing what’s left of it.

Intro music is "A Calm Hellfire" by the Wayward Hearts

Banjo Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay

Rockville, Utah — the town once called “Utah’s Last Treasure.” Founded after the devastating Virgin River flood of 1862, Rockville rose from the mud to become one of Southern Utah’s most beautiful and enduring settlements. From floods and faith healers to bears, telegraph lines, and the rise of Zion National Park next door, this episode uncovers the story of the town that refused to disappear — and the people who built the heart of the Virgin River Valley.

🎧 Join the community: → Become a patron: https://patreon.com/whatoncewas → Follow on Instagram: @whatoncewas.podcast

The stories I share are based on old records, newspapers, local legends, and oral histories. While I do my best to tell them truthfully, some details may be lost to time.

Please remember—many of the places we mention are on private land. Don’t trespass or go exploring without permission. Let’s keep history alive without disturbing what’s left of it.

Intro music is "A Calm Hellfire" by the Wayward Hearts

Conch shell Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay