Posted in Utah
March 16, 2017
Visit This Charming Little Fort In Utah And Step Back In Time
Can you imagine what it was like for Utah’s pioneers to survive here during those first tenuous years? With the hot, dry heat, the occasional Indian attack, illness, floods, deaths from childbirth…it’s amazing that the pioneers were able to stay and create the towns and cities that make up Utah today. But not all times were bad. This little fort was built in anticipation of an attack from Indians or the U.S. Government but was never used for defense. It’s a fascinating little piece of Utah history. Take a look!
The fort is situated halfway between Fillmore (which was originally supposed to be the state's capitol) and Beaver.
It's constructed of volcanic rock, which is one reason that it's so well preserved - most forts built in the country during that time were constructed of wood.
The fort measures 100 feet square. Its walls are four feet thick at the base.
While the fort was constructed for defense, its purpose was to provide a stop for the Pony Express, stagecoaches and other travelers.
This area was so remote back then, that settlers were really cut off from civilization otherwise.
While the fort was pretty large for housing accommodations, with two wives and ten children, it provided plenty of room to work and accommodate guests.
It's where they cooked, cleaned and studied their scriptures. Originally, the intent was to build a town near the fort, but the area is so lacking in water that it wasn't feasible.
Some stayed just long enough to shoe their horses and rest for a few hours; others stayed overnight. On some nights, the fort housed as many as 75 travelers.
Since the fort was never attacked, the family worked and moved about the land around the fort.
After Ira Hinckley left the fort with his family in 1877, his brother Azra and his family moved in to care for it.
The Hinckley family continued to work the ranch until 1890. In 1989, the fort was restored so that visitors could tour it.
The fort is open from 9:00 am to dusk. Docents are there to give you a tour of the property, and tell you stories about the people who once lived and worked here. You can see antique and reproduction furniture in the rooms inside the fort, as well as walk around the grounds.
Are you interested in seeing more of Utah’s history? Take a look at these vintage photos taken at Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park.
