|
 |
Cove Fort
Built almost a century and a half ago as a way station for weary wagon and horseback travelers, Cove Fort continues to welcome interstate travelers today and is a popular tourist stop in south-central Utah.
Visitors tour a remodeled Cove Fort.
Paul Barker, Deseret News |
Of the many forts built during the settlement of the Utah Territory in the mid-19th century, only Cove Fort still stands — providing visitors an authentic touch of the old West.
Located just off the junction of I-70 and I-15 between Fillmore and Beaver, the historic fort has undergone several years of renovation by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The fort, with its 100-feet-long and 18-feet-high volcanic rock walls, remains intact and has been authentically restored.
Utah statehood was still three decades away when Latter-day Saint pioneer Ira N. Hinckley, grandfather of LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley, oversaw construction of the fort. He had been assigned by President Brigham Young to take his family to the Cove Creek area and build the facility.
President Young wanted to protect the telegraph and mail stations at Cove Creek and to offer food, rest and protection from bad weather to travelers along the "Mormon Corridor" between Salt Lake City and St. George.
Today, the fort's central courtyard and rooms are furnished with period furniture. Nearby are a restored barn, blacksmith shop and other outbuildings. Installed adjacent to the fort, for the convenience of travelers, are parking facilities, restrooms and a picnic area. There are no lodging and dining facilities in the immediate vicinity.
Cove Fort is open to the public with guided tours available daily. Individual travelers and tour groups are welcome. Admission is free. More information is available at www.covefort.com/.
|
|
|
