Union Fort

Early in 1849, the Pioneers of Union settled 1½ miles southeast of here, where water, grass, wood, and clay were abundant. Silas Richards, the first bishop and school teacher, arrived November 4, 1949. In 1853-54, Union Fort was built on ten acres donated by Jehu Cox. Its wall, made of rocks and adobes with clay mortar, was 6 feet thick at the base, 2 feet at the top, and 12 feet high. The fort enclosed 23 homes and a school that was also used as a church and amusement hall. The name Union was suggested by William McGuire, a school teacher, to emphasize the unity existing among the Saints.

Midvale, Utah · United States