I'm Not Bluffing

As we headed south for warmer weather, down Highway 191, we stopped in the small community of Bluff, Utah.  Located here is the historic Bluff Fort, which was settled by Mormon pioneers way back in 1880.

There were about 70 families that were given a mission to settle the land near the 4 corners region. They came from 16 different villages in Utah.  Previous routes from their home towns were around the south or north and quite long, so they settled on a short cut across the southern part of the state.  Scouts had been sent ahead of them, but had only explored about half of the route.  The journey was expected to last 6 weeks, but ended up taking 6 months due to the difficult terrain.  You can see part of their route below, which took them through a a place still known as Hole-in-the-Rock.

I took the next 2 pictures off the internet, showing climbers at the Hole-in-the-Rock, a narrow canyon that drops at a 45 degree angle down 1200 feet to the Colorado River.  The Mormon pioneers spent 6 weeks blasting, chiseling rock and filling in gaps so the trail was just wide enough for a wagon.  Normally, horses would stop and not even go down the steep incline because of the drop.  However, the man who led the first team down the canyon had horses who were blind from getting pink eye, and they would go where ever he led them.  His team went first, and the rest followed.  Chains were put on the back wheels so the wagons would slow down as the driver braked.

Numerous diaries kept by these pioneers told of how terrifying the experience was.  Even if they had a road through there today, I wouldn't be taking it!  Once they got to the bottom, they built rafts to cross the Colorado River.

At Fort Bluff there is a collection of wagons and cabins.  All the cabins except one are re-creations, but are filled with antiques donated by descendants of the original group of men, women and children.

Below is the only original cabin, now covered by a second roof to preserve it.  Many times, families started with just a one room cabin.  Eventually, other cabins were built and connected by a framed breezeway.  This cabin was owned by the Joseph Barton family.  To prevent the building from rotting, the cottonwood logs were placed on a base of sandstone rocks.

All the newer cabins are one room only.  Can you even imagine raising a family of 8 children in one room?  Neither can I.  But that is what the Barton family did! I bet Mrs. Barton sent the kids out to play (or help with the work) as often as possible, even when it was cold outside.  

This is one of the original wagons from the 6 month, arduous trip.  This was quite an interesting stop along the way, and it was free!  So, if you are ever in this area, check it out.