Pipe Spring National Monument is west of Fredonia in the "The Strip," that portion of Arizona between the Utah border and the Colorado River/Grand Canyon area. A natural spring at this site created a sort of oasis in the high desert. Native Americans, the Kaibab Paiutes were active around this area for centuries. In the last half of the 1800s it became a a Mormon outpost that functioned as a "Tithing Ranch." The facilty would be stocked with cattle and other animals donated to the LDS church in lieu of cash, then raised and marketed or used to provide food.

There were conflicts with the previous population and the main residence was a fortified building with a stone wall. The natural spring was drilled into and a pipe installed so the residents could continue to get water if besieged, thus the name 'Pipe Spring'. There was a large facility where butter was churned and cheese made, as well as taking care of baking and laundry and various household functions. There were furnishings that suggest an attempt to have some of the environment of a middle class lifestyle in spite of the remote and isolated location. There was also a telegraph line that connected to the LDS at Salt Lake.

This spot is part of the Kaibab Paiute Reservation, and the historic site and museum is a cooperative effort between the National Park Service and the Paiutes. It has a nicely done visitor center with displays about Paiute culture and exhibits of some historic artifacts.

This stop was part of the Grand Tour 2016, a 5800 mile drive through flyover country!