Cove Fort Historical Site
Cove Fort Historical Site
Cove Fort is located immediately northeast of the junction of I-15 and I-70, in the southeast corner of Millard County, twenty miles south of Kanosh and twenty-four miles north of Beaver.
The fort was built to offer protection and refreshment to the traveler. Beginning in 1847, pioneers began settling the high mountain valleys stretching from Idaho to California. They came here to worship in peace and to build homes and communities. The fort is made of lava rock, which workers hauled from west of the property. The fort is 100 square feet, 18.5 feet tall, 4 feet thick at the footings and 2.5 feet thick at the top.
In 1867, the prophet Brigham Young called Ira Hinckley and his family to come and direct the building and operations of the fort.
HIstory
Cove Fort is located immediately northeast of the junction of I-15 and I-70, in the southeast corner of Millard County, twenty miles south of Kanosh and twenty-four miles north of Beaver. Cove Fort was constructed in 1867. Prior to its construction, the site was occupied by a ranch-fort erected by the Charles William Willden family in 1860.
This site on Cove Creek was the natural location for a night’s encampment between the communities of Fillmore and Beaver. The abandonment of Fort Willden in 1865 left travelers without a sanctuary from hostile Indians (the Black Hawk War commenced in 1865), or from severe weather conditions. In addition to private parties traveling that route, it was also necessary to afford some degree of safety to carriers of the U.S. mail, operators of the Deseret Telegraph, agents of the stagecoach line, and freighters who sought the refuge and convenience of that place.
Recognizing the necessity of a permanent facility at this strategic midpoint, Brigham Young directed Ira Nathaniel Hinckley to both superintend the LDS Church ranch at Cove Creek and to build a substantial fort at that place. In company with Brigham Young, Ira went to Cove Creek, arriving there on 29 April 1867. Other workmen were called to the site, including Ira’s brother, Arza Erastus Hinckley. The building crew occupied Fort Willden during the construction phase of Cove Fort. Between April and November 1867, the primary structure was completed. The walls of the fort form a square which is 100 feet on each side. The walls are comprised mainly of black volcanic rock and dark limestone laid up in lime mortar, and are eighteen feet high.
From its construction in the nineteenth century into the twentieth century, a number of families occupied the fort, sometimes on a lease arrangement with the LDS Church. On 21 August 1919 President Heber J. Grant as Trustee-in Trust for the LDS Church signed over title to Cove Fort to William Henry Kesler, who had leased the land since 1903. In 1988, the Ira and Arza Hinckley families purchased Cove Fort from the descendants of William H. Kesler, and in ceremonies conducted at the fort on 13 August 1988 donated the structure back to the LDS Church for restoration as a historic site. On 9 May 1992 LDS general authority Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated the newly restored fort. Plans for the reconstruction of outbuildings such as the blacksmith shop and barn are now in process. Cove Fort remains today one of the very few pioneer fortifications still standing in good condition, of the scores built during territorial days.
Larry Porter
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Trip Planning
Utah Trip Planning
FIND YOURSELF, DISCOVER UTAH
There are so many things about Utah that make it the perfect place for every type of getaway. From a romantic getaway for two to a large family vacation and everything in between, Utah is the place to be. Those who choose to spend their vacation exploring Utah will not be disappointed.
Things to Bring
The gear that travelers pack depends heavily on a few different factors. The activities they plan to do, time of year they visit, and length of their stay should all be considered. There are so many things to do and so many weather changes that it is hard to pinpoint exactly what should be brought, but below is a basic list of must have when traveling to Utah. Inevitably, something will be left behind when packing for a trip. When this happens, travelers can visit one of the many local stores to pick up anything they need to make their trip more comfortable.
- Seasonally appropriate clothing
- Basic toiletries
- Wallet and necessary documents
- Clothing for outdoor activities (boots, hats, heavy pants and shirt)
- Rain gear
- Sunscreen and sun protecting clothes
- First aid kit
CLOTHING (General Listing)
- DRESS IN LAYERS!
- Bandanna (face, head and/or neck covering)
- Gloves (night/morning wear)
- Hat (double layer construction with good ear protection)
- Jacket (Warmth – wool/synthetic fiber and/or cotton)
- Jacket (wind breaker)
- Pants (heavy duty for outdoors)
- Rain wear (rain suit/poncho)
- Shirts (long sleeve for outdoors)
- Shoes (sport/hiking)
- Snow Shoes or Skis
- Socks (cotton/wool or combination for hiking – one pair for each day)
- Sweatshirt/sweater/or down vest
- “T” Shirts (long or short sleeve)
- Underwear (depends on season/altitude for warmth – 20 to 55 degree/night wear)
- Warm, long sleeve shirt
FIRST AID SUGGESTIONS: (MINIMUM)
One thing that should be at the top of any back country travel checklist is a personal first-aid kit, or a selection of medical supplies to meet emergency medical needs. What you should take will depend on who you are, where you are going and how long you will be staying. Consult your family doctor about these and any other suggestions and additional supplies you may need. We would suggest the following minimum items be considered:
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MISCELLANEOUS:
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SUNPROTECTION:
- Keep in mind that the ultraviolet radiation of the sun which will burn you is stronger at higher elevations and are most intense in tropical, snow and water environments. Wear protective hats and other coverings when in the sun. A natural suntan which has been obtained slowly helps protect you from sunburn, however, the kind of tan you get from a bottle doesn’t.
- When you buy a commercial sunscreen product look for a SPF (sun protection factor) rating on the package.
- SPF 2 to 4 = Minimal protection for people who rarely burn and tan easily and deeply.
- SPF 4 to 6 = Moderate protection for people who tan well with minimal burn.
- SPF 6 to 8 = Extra protection for people who burn moderately and tan gradually.
- SPF 8 to 15 = Maximum protection from sunburning for people who always burn easily and tan minimally.
- RECOMMENDED – SPF 15 or greater = Ultra protection from sunburn, offers the most protection which permits no sun tanning for people who burn easily and never tan.
TOILETRIES: (Personal items for camp-out nights)
- Laundry bag
- Mirror
- Sleep wear
- Sanitary supplies
- Shaving articles
- Sewing kit
- Soap
- Tooth brush & paste
- Towel (bath/hand)
- Wash cloth
- Wet towels
Changing Seasons, Constant Beauty
The state of Utah experiences all four seasons throughout the year. This means that Utah is a constantly changing, yet always beautiful, place to visit. The seasons follow the basic characteristics of all other seasonal areas in the Northern Hemisphere. These changing seasons are part of the reason that Utah is such an incredible place.
The warmer times of the year, late spring through mid-fall, are a great time to come to Utah for outdoor activities and visiting the parks. Winter, which begins in November, is perfect for those who love snowy activities like skiing and snowboarding. No matter what time of year people travel to Utah, there is something fun and exciting for them to do.
Utah’s Unique Areas
One of the most notable things about Utah is the fact that the northern and southern areas are so different. The area of Utah to be visited will depend heavily on the type of weather, activities, and overall experience individual guests wish to enjoy. Since the northern and southern ends of Utah are so different and have many different things to offer, it’s important for travelers to understand these differences to choose the best place to stay. With so many different things to enjoy, everyone can have a fantastic time in the beautiful state of Utah.
NORTHERN UTAH
Northern Utah has so much to offer visitors. It is home to many beautiful cities and exciting adventures. The following is information that will be helpful for those planning a trip to Northern Utah. From places to go, things to do, and what to bring, this information will help to make a trip to Northern Utah as easy and carefree as possible.
Incredible Destinations
There are many exciting cities and towns to explore throughout Northern Utah. Some of the most popular cities are included below. These great areas have many places to stay, delicious dining, and fun things to do. The cities of Northern Utah are some of the best in the country.
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is the largest city in the State of Utah. This capital city is full of exciting things to do and see. There are many museums, parks, restaurants, and theaters throughout the city that are some of the best in the state. This huge city is the perfect place for every type of traveler to spend their Utah vacation.
Perfect Parks
Northern Utah is home to a large amount of state, local, and national parks. These beautiful natural areas are preserved so that everyone can enjoy the majesty of nature when untouched by man. Many people love to partake in various outdoor activities at parks like hiking, horseback riding, rappelling, and much more. Travelers who hope to enjoy wide-open outdoor spaces during their vacation will be more than pleased with the parks of Northern Utah.
Fantastic Resorts
This part of Utah has a huge number of resorts, as well. While many of these resorts serve as ski and snowboarding resorts, many are also open during the other times of the year. When visiting Northern Utah in winter, guests can spend the day enjoying time on the slopes. During other seasons, resorts open for guests to enjoy and many have special events like wine tastings, live music, and many other exciting events. No matter what time of year, there are plenty of fantastic resorts for visitors to enjoy in Northern Utah.
Can’t-Miss Adventures
There are so many incredible things to do in the Northern Utah area. Whether travelers enjoy partaking in outdoor adventures or prefer to stay indoors, there is literally something for everyone.
Hiking
Northern Utah has fantastic hiking opportunities. The many parks and mountains offer a huge range of terrains to explore. Hiking is one of the most popular activities to do among outdoor enthusiasts, and Northern Utah provides plenty of ground to cover. When hiking for exercise or to explore the area, there are endless places to trek along which will provide unforgettable views and exciting physical challenges.
Winter Sports
Every year, when the snow begins to fall, people rush to Northern Utah for some of the best snowy slopes in America. There are tons of resorts relatively close to each other with many mountains to explore. Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and snowmobiling are just a few of the great activities to enjoy during winter time in Northern Utah. Guests can stay at one of the many resorts or just head to the slopes for a day of adventure. Those who love to enjoy fresh, deep powder will be smitten with a winter trip to Northern Utah.
Sightseeing
Utah is such a unique state. There are many different groups who made their way through, and settled in, this amazing state. Visitors love to explore the historical sights of the Native Americans who first inhabited the area and the settlers who came along later. There are many museums, monuments, and special reservations where guests can discover Northern Utah’s unique and impressive history. Guests who love to fit a bit of knowledge into their vacation will not be disappointed in the rich history of Northern Utah.
Southern Utah
Southern Utah has so much to offer travelers. With many parks, activities, and unique businesses to enjoy, there is never a dull moment on a vacation in Southern Utah.
Breathtaking Places
Southern Utah is a treasure trove of fantastic places. From its incredible number of national parks and monuments to the quaint towns and unique businesses, there is so much to love about Southern Utah. Visitors will be amazed to discover that there is something to see around every corner. Guest should consider talking to locals to get a better idea of some little-known places that are worth a trip.
Famous Parks
Southern Utah has many national parks within a proximity to each other. Parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon, the Grand Staircase- Escalante, Dixie National Forest, and more bring guests from all around the globe each year. Even though these parks are very close to each other, they are all so incredibly different. Each one offers different geological formations, wildlife, and hiking challenges which make for an incredible and diverse vacation.
Lovely Cities
The cities and towns of Southern Utah are as diverse as its landscape. There are smaller towns, full of rich history. The larger cities, like St. George and the like, are home to many great museums, galleries, and dining experiences. The diversity of these towns and cities help to guarantee that every traveler will have an unforgettable time in Southern Utah.
Unique Businesses
Since Southern Utah has such a rich history, there are many businesses in the area that celebrate their heritage. Small shops and galleries sell native-inspired pottery and weavings. There are many religious shops which celebrate the history of Mormon settlers in Southern Utah. There are also a lot of businesses which provide rental services for exciting experiences. Guests can rent everything from horses to hours on helicopters to see the landscape of Southern Utah from different perspectives. The businesses of Southern Utah alone are a great reason to visit the area.
Adventure Awaits
Perhaps the best part about Southern Utah is the incredible amount of exciting activities to enjoy. From helicopter rides to historical site exploration, the range of things to do is incredible. Visitors will find that they need a second trip to Southern Utah to experience more incredible adventures.
Hiking
Hiking through the parks in Southern Utah is an unforgettable experience. From formations like hoodoos and mesas to the famous “Wave” of the Grand Staircase-Escalante, there are so many amazing things to be seen on a hike through the parks of Southern Utah. Hikes can be as strenuous or leisurely as wanted, so every member of a group can enjoy the outdoors. This beautiful landscape deserves at least a day of hiking so that its natural beauty can be experienced properly.
Horseback riding
Horseback riding is the most incredible way to experience the Southern Utah landscape. Riders can get close to the formations and structures without having to hike long distances. Horseback rides can last as short as an hour and as long as six hours. Visitors can see everything that makes Southern Utah so special by horseback riding in one of the many incredible parks or other land areas. This is a can’t-miss adventure for those traveling to Southern Utah.
Sightseeing
Besides the many incredible parks in Southern Utah, there are too many sights to name spread throughout the area. There’s Little Hollywood, an old Western town built specifically for films, where tons of popular movies have been filmed. Many visitors choose to spend the day exploring this abandoned movie set. The beautiful LDS temple located in St. George is a fantastic place to spend an afternoon. The temple offers tons of historical information and is truly an architectural wonder. For those who wish to explore natural history, the Zion Human History Museum in Zion is a great place to discover the rich history of the Native people and Utah settlers. There is something to explore and enjoy in Southern Utah for every traveler.
STEP AWAY FROM THE MUNDANE, VISIT UTAH
Utah is home to millions of different adventures. No matter what travelers enjoy, they are sure to find something spectacular and unique in the state of Utah. It’s beautiful landscape and countless parks make it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It is also home to many museums, theaters, and fine dining for those who prefer culturally refined living. Utah truly is the best of both worlds when it comes to taking the perfect vacation. Visitors can get their adrenaline pumping with outdoor activities and enjoy the finer things with fine dining and educational experiences. Those who choose to make Utah their vacation destination will experience a trip unlike anything else in the world.