It was suggested to Derek that we stop here on our way to Salt Lake. After our long day at the Grand Canyon/ Horse shoe Bend and lots of driving we knew we would't want to drive straight up to Salt Lake the same day. We stayed the night in Beaver which was about 10 minutes south of Cove Fort. Us and only one small family were there then it opened at 9. It was wonderful that it wasn't crowded and we had the best tour guide Elder Spencer. We spent 2 hours there. The kids loved learning about the history. It may just be their ages but it was fun to see them so interested.
These are the original doors.
There is so much history here and we heard some great stories.
It was built in 1867 by Ira Hinckley at the request of Brigham Young. It was as a stop for the saints that traveled to and from St. George and Sale Lake City. It was there to protect them from the nearby Indians. In 1906 (if I remember correctly) the church no longer needed it and the property was sold. In 1989 80 members of the Hinckley family purchased the property from the same owners that had bought it from the church. It was then donated to the church and it took 6 years to restore it.
Only 4 of the original glass window panes were in tack. Because they were lead glass they had to have a company in Germany make the new glass.
They used journals written by those that lived here or had stopped here before to furnish it.
a hay derrick not to be confused with "Hey, Derek"
The original barn was in too bad of shape to salvage. They hired the Amish to reconstruct it using the same technique as when it was originally built and the same dimensions. It was built back east then taken down and delivered to Cove Fort to be rebuilt. The beam you see in the above picture was from the original barn.
The kids got to learn how the kids at the fort entertained themselves. Although back then they had plenty of chores to do.
Zoe was a natural and caught on immediately.
I love these kids and love that they are growing up and find learning enjoyable.
June 21, 2017
