Parowan Adobe Fort

 (1851-1872) - A Mormon settler fortified town first established in 1851 as Fort Louisa named after Louisa Beaman. The fort site was located within the present day town of Parowan in Iron County, Utah. Replaced by the larger Parowan Adobe Fort completed in 1855. Probably abandoned as a fortification after the end of the Ute Black Hawk War in 1872.

History
Established first as Fort Louisa in January 1851 at the founding of the town by George A. Smith. The town was established by request of Brigham Young who visited the new town in May 1851. He renamed the town Parowan, paraphrasing an Indian word for the area. Parowan was the first settlement south of Provo and was known as the “Mother Town” because many of the original settlers were called to colonize other areas in southern Utah and beyond.

The original wood fort was strengthened in anticipation of Indian troubles. A threatening visit from Chief Walker and about 100 braves heightened concerns about public safety. In 1854 the Walker Indian War (1854-1855) began. The wood fort was no longer adequate and a larger adobe fort was built.

Known as the Parowan Adobe Fort, perhaps to differentiate it from the earlier wooden versions, the fort was reported as being "112 rods square" (1,848 feet square) encompassing most of the town. The wall dimensions were impressive, 10 to 12 feet high, 6 feet thick at the base, and 2-1/2 feet thick at the top. The adobe fort was completed about 1855 and lasted for a number of years. Parts were still visible in the early 1900s

During the Ute Black Hawk War (1865-1872) many of the smaller fortified communities in southern Utah were ordered abandoned and many of the residents fed to back to to the safety of the much larger Parowan Adobe Fort.

Probably abandoned as a fortification after the end of the Ute Black Hawk War (1865-1872).

Current Status
The town has established the four corners of the fort as follows


 * Northwest Corner near 110 North and 200 West 37.844463, -112.832079
 * Northeast Corner near Pioneer Ave and 100 East 37.843551, -112.825527
 * Southeast Corner near 100 East and 200 South 37.839028, -112.825660
 * Southwest Corner near 200 West and 200 South 37.83897, -112.83190

See Also:
 * Ute Black Hawk War (1865-1872)
 * Walker Indian War (1854-1855)
 * Mormon Fortifications

Sources:
 * The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star, Volumes 55-56, Google Books, page 589

Links:
 * Utah History to Go - Parowan Settled By Mormons 150 Years Ago