While the town's former corporate limits were almost entirely within Carbon County, the western part was within the Manti-La Sal National Forest and a very small part extended west into Emery County.

The town is located at the base of Gentry Mountain, some 12 miles (19 km) southwest of Price.

Coal was discovered here in 1909, a mine was built, a railroad was constructed, and the city was incorporated in 1911.

The United States Fuel Company, which owned the Hiawatha mine and had its headquarters there, essentially ran the town.

Hiawatha was also notable for having a vibrant Greek immigrant community, particularly from the island of Crete.