RJ Hembree
RJ 'Bob' Hembree
  1. You are here:  
  2. Home
  3. General

General

About Page, AZ

Page, Arizona: A Desert Haven Established by Dam Construction and Sustained by Tourism

PAGE, AZ—Nestled atop Manson Mesa in the heart of northern Arizona, Page stands as a testament to both human engineering and the breathtaking power of nature. What began as a construction town in the late 1950s is now a thriving hub for tourism, drawing visitors from around the globe to its stunning landscapes.

A City Shaped by the Dam:

Page's origins are inextricably linked to the Glen Canyon Dam, a monumental structure that tamed the Colorado River and created the vast expanse of Lake Powell. Today, the dam remains a key landmark, attracting sightseers and providing vital hydroelectric power.

Tourism Drives the Economy:

Lake Powell is the undisputed star of Page's tourism industry. Boating, fishing, and exploring the lake's intricate canyons are just a few of the activities that bring in visitors year-round. Beyond the lake, Horseshoe Bend's dramatic river view and the sculpted sandstone walls of Antelope Canyon provide unforgettable experiences.

Demographics and Community:

Page presents a unique blend of demographics. The city has a population of roughly 7,400 residents, with a diverse makeup that includes significant populations of both White (Non-Hispanic) and American Indian & Alaska Native (Non-Hispanic) individuals. This creates a rich cultural environment.

Key Features:

  • Lake Powell: A recreational paradise, drawing millions of visitors annually.
  • Glen Canyon Dam: An engineering marvel and a source of local pride.
  • Horseshoe Bend: A photographer's dream, offering panoramic views of the Colorado River.
  • Antelope Canyon: A slot canyon renowned for its otherworldly beauty.
  • Proximity to Navajo Nation: Offering cultural tourism and connection to native lands.

Looking Ahead:

As tourism continues to grow, Page faces the challenge of balancing economic development with the preservation of its natural resources. The city also works closely with the Navajo Nation, recognizing the important cultural and historical relationships that exist in the region. Page, Arizona, remains a location of great natural beauty, and a location of great interest to many people.

Details
Hits: 447

About RJ Hembree

RJ Hembree

Call me Bob. I live in Page, Arizona. I’m a journalist, photographer and songwriter.

In 1995, as an undergraduate at Old Dominion University, I was managing editor of The Mace and Crown. It was there I learned of the world wide web and built my first website. This led to the creation of Writers’ Village University, the Web’s first online community and school for writers. It grew rapidly from a handful of members to over 1,000 members by the time I was accepted into ODU’s MFA Creative Writing program in 1997.

Over the years, my focus shifted from fiction writing to journalism. I’m a relentless researcher, always hungry to learn. This drive led me to the development of numerous courses covering fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, and hybrid courses combining science and the arts. Most notably, I adapted the study of conceptual metaphors in the cognitive sciences as a tool for the craft of writing. This helps writers understand and apply deep metaphorical structures to enhance storytelling. Through these courses, I have helped writers refine their skills, publish their work, win and achieve professional success.

I’m a former staff writer for The Lake Powell Chronicle and Gateway to Canyon Country Magazine. I retired and came out of retirement as a freelance journalist. My news reporting appears weekly in The Lake Powell Chronicle and The Arizona Silver Belt, and occasionally in the San Carlos Apache Moccasin. I cover local politics, community events, and pressing local concerns such as housing, infrastructure, and tourism. My writing and photography have appeared in other publications, like The Navajo Times,  T-Zero, and The Village Square.

 

 

 

Details
Hits: 454

Main Menu

  • Home
  • Essays
  • Journalism

Login Form

  • Forgot your password?
  • Forgot your username?