Can you imagine what it was like for Utah's pioneers to survive here during those first tenuous years? With the hot, dry heat, the occasional Indian attack, illness, floods, deaths from childbirth...it's amazing that the pioneers were able to stay and create the towns and cities that make up Utah today. But not all times were bad. This little fort was built in anticipation of an attack from Indians or the U.S. Government but was never used for defense. It's a fascinating little piece of Utah history. Take a look!

Brigham Young ordered Ira Hinckley to build Cove Fort in 1867.

The fort is situated halfway between Fillmore (which was originally supposed to be the state's capitol) and Beaver.

Ira, his brother Azra, and members from neighboring communities built in the entire fort and barn in about seven months.

It's constructed of volcanic rock, which is one reason that it's so well preserved - most forts built in the country during that time were constructed of wood.

The fort has two entrances with huge oak doors that were originally filled with sand to help stop bullets and arrows.

The fort measures 100 feet square. Its walls are four feet thick at the base.

Ira brought his two wives and 10 children to live in the fort.

While the fort was constructed for defense, its purpose was to provide a stop for the Pony Express, stagecoaches and other travelers.

The telegraph office served as a means of communication for settlers in the area.

This area was so remote back then, that settlers were really cut off from civilization otherwise.

Ira Hinckley's family lived here, in the 12 rooms that line the interior of the fort.

While the fort was pretty large for housing accommodations, with two wives and ten children, it provided plenty of room to work and accommodate guests.

This fort served as the Hinckley family's home.

It's where they cooked, cleaned and studied their scriptures. Originally, the intent was to build a town near the fort, but the area is so lacking in water that it wasn't feasible.

Many people stopped at Cove Fort on their way through the middle of Utah.

Some stayed just long enough to shoe their horses and rest for a few hours; others stayed overnight. On some nights, the fort housed as many as 75 travelers.

Outside the fort, you'll find a large barn, cabin and gardens.

Since the fort was never attacked, the family worked and moved about the land around the fort.

The garden fed the family and travelers.

After Ira Hinckley left the fort with his family in 1877, his brother Azra and his family moved in to care for it.

In 1822, the railroad came through the area, which decreased the need for the fort to provide services to travelers.

The Hinckley family continued to work the ranch until 1890. In 1989, the fort was restored so that visitors could tour it.

Visit Cove Fort year-round.

The fort is open from 9:00 am to dusk. Docents are there to give you a tour of the property, and tell you stories about the people who once lived and worked here. You can see antique and reproduction furniture in the rooms inside the fort, as well as walk around the grounds.

Cove Fort is located very close to where I-70 and I-15 meet, about halfway between Fillmore and Beaver.

Are you interested in seeing more of Utah's history? Take a look at these vintage photos taken at Utah's Bryce Canyon National Park.