First Stop Cove Fort

 

Exit 132 was our first stop for (Of Course) potty break~ there were many of these along the way!

This one happens to have a sign that says Cove Fort Historical Site, which both of DH and I visited when we were very young children (1960ish).

The restoration is remarkable…neither of us remember it being so well maintained back in the 60s.  For many years the fort served the travels well, but times changed and so did the need for the fort.  The church leased out and then sold the fort in 1890.  That’s why it didn’t look as great in 1960!

Brigham Young asked Ira Hinckley to leave his home in Coalville in 1867 and travel the 220 miles south to supervise the construction of this fort.  Below is the log home where he lived.

 

The fort is a square, 100 ft on each side. The walls are constructed of black volcanic rock and dark limestone, both quarried from the nearby mountains. The walls are 18 ft high and 4 ft thick at the base, tapering to 2 ft thick at the top. The fort has two sets of large wooden doors at the east and west ends, originally filled with sand to stop arrows and bullets, and contains 12 interior rooms.

The 6 rooms on the south side of the for served the needs of the travelers…and were used for business, domestic, and social activities. Travelers could rest and refresh themselves while the stagecoach horse teams were changed. Coaches stopped at the fort each day, one from the north and one from the south.

The kitchen/big room was the heart of Cove Fort, and served to express a commitment to hospitality. Food was prepared in the kitchen and served by the Hinckleys for family members, hired help, and travelers.

Our tour guide Sister Campbell….from Twin Falls, Idaho

Of the six rooms on the north side of the fort, three rooms served as a private residence for the Hinckley family and the remaining three served as overnight lodgings for travelers.

The next three photos are all from the room in which Brigham Young would stay on his travels.

The Garden Area….newly planted onions

The Blacksmith Shop…Ira N. Hinckley was an accomplished blacksmith, using this shop in the west end of Cove Fort, and always offered his services to travelers passing through.

Cove Fort was a peaceful fort….with never a shot fired! Well almost…you will have to visit the fort to learn the story!  Don’t want to give away all the secrets!

A walk to the upper level gives a fantastic view of the valley as well as the rooms below!

As we end our tour a pioneer spinning toy was demonstrated and given to Mr. Kendry. This toy teaches a valuable lesson and reminds each of us to keep Christ the center of our lives. With spinning effort, one can keep the wooden circle (representing Christ) in the center. When we become lax in our efforts to keep the circle (Him) there, the toy stops working and falls to the side. So what do we have to do to keep Christ in our lives? Repent and start moving forward again by reading the scriptures regularly, praying, and living the commandments. When we do, our actions put Him in the center of our lives again. 

Thanks for a great tour…….