Posted in Utah History, Small Towns March 31, 2023 by

Few People Realize How Much State History Is Preserved In The Small Town Of Fillmore, Utah

Fillmore, Utah is often just a stop for travelers along Interstate 15. However, this small town in central Utah is home to so much more. In fact, Fillmore plays a big part in Utah’s history and much of that history is still preserved in the town today. Even if you spend just a few hours exploring Fillmore, UT, you’ll gain a whole new appreciation for the Beehive State.

Fillmore, Utah is located in Millard County, right along I-15. It is home to approximately 2,500 residents and is a town packed with history.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
In October 1851, a resolution was passed by the Territorial Legislature of Utah to organize and settle Millard County. The county seat was to be called Fillmore City, named after the current president of the United States, Millard Fillmore.
An Errant Knight/Wikimedia Commons
Just a few weeks later, covered wagons arrived in the area to establish the settlement. Within 15 days, a school was built. The school was made of cottonwood logs and it was just the beginning of this charming community.
Fillmore was designated to be the capital of Utah and construction quickly began to build a “statehouse.” In 1855 and 1856, legislative sessions took place in the first wing of the building.
Truman O. Angell (original drawing), photo of drawing by the Historic American Buildings Survey/Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, UT-33/Wikimedia Commons
Unfortunately, the building was never completed as the state capitol was moved to Salt Lake City. The Statehouse is still standing today but only the south wing was ever built. It is considered the oldest existing governmental building in Utah. In the image above, you will see a rendering of the original plan for the Utah Territorial Capitol Building.
Today, you can step inside the only-constructed wing of the Statehouse and learn all about Utah’s Territorial period. The building is now the Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum and is where you can view dozens of historic photos and mementos.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
You can also visit the museum store and All-American Rose Society Garden. Bring lunch and sit outside at one of the picnic areas as well.
But, it isn’t just right in town where you will experience incredible history. Just a short drive south of Fillmore, you will come to Cove Fort.
Ken Lund/Flickr
Built in 1867, this fort not only served as a place of protection for travelers, but it was also where they could rest and gather supplies as they continued on their journey west. Additionally, the fort was home to a telegraph office, making it a major location for communications back in the day. Fortunately, the fort has been preserved and is open to the public for tours that are free of charge.
With beauty and history around every turn, there’s no doubt that Fillmore, Utah is one destination you need to check out for yourself.
Kevin Rutherford/Wikimedia Commons

Have you ever explored the small town? What are some of your favorite things to do in Fillmore, Utah? Let us know in the comments. And, when in town, make sure to stop by Cluff’s Carhop Café, a family-owned café that opened in the 1950s. Just make sure to check this restaurant’s hours before visiting as it is a seasonal restaurant.

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Address: Fillmore, UT 84631, USA