Johnson's Fort

In the summer of 1851, a small company of men exploring this area discovered springs on the bench one-fourth mile to the east, and Joel H. Johnson, impressed by the site, obtained permission from George A. Smith to build a house and corral there and care for cattle belonging to settlers of Iron County. In 1854, Brigham Young called other families to assist in this work and help build a fort for protection, which was named for Johnson, who built his home inside it. The fort measured 10 rods square, or 165 by 165 feet, with clay walls 9 feet high, 2 1/2 feet thick at the bottom, and 18 inches thick at the top, a large log gate on the north side, a smaller gate on the south, and a well in the center for drinking water. Apple orchards and vegetable gardens were planted, and a large two-story building called the Bastion was built with portholes for defense. Some of the cottonwood trees planted near the fort survive, and in 1881 the fort became a mail station between Milford and Silver Reef. Its ownership changed many times, and it remained a favorite gathering place for holiday celebrations such as the 4th and 24th of July and May Day. Some remains of the fort are visible one-half mile north of this marker.

Enoch, Utah · United States