Johnson's Fort
Johnson's Fort (1854-18??) - A Mormon settler's fort established in 1854 during the Walker Indian War in present-day Enoch, Iron County, Utah. Named for Joel H. Johnson whose home was built inside the fort. Abandoned as a fortification after the Indian hostilities ended.
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Johnson's Fort Marker & Display, indicated Actual Fort Location is in the distance on the Left.
History
Initially established after 1851 as a house and corral by Joel H. Johnson to care for the cattle belonging to Iron County settlers. The spot was selected because of a nearby spring, a rarity in this dry country.
In 1854, during the Walker Indian War (1853-1854), Brigham Young requested that the site be fortified. A new fort was built by Johnson and the settlers as a strong 165' square enclosure with thick, 9' high clay walls. Inside the compound was a large two-story building known as the bastion and a central well. On the north wall was a large log gate and on the south wall was a smaller gate.
Probably abandoned as a fortification after the end of Indian hostilities.
Current Status
Marker and cedar log stump display. The marker indicates that some remains can be seen at the actual site 1/2 mile North of the marker but that site appears to be on private property.
Context
Location:
Marker and display located at the intersection of E 5200 N and N 1400 E in Enoch, Iron County, Utah. The actual site is said to be located 1/2 mile North of the marker.
Lat: 37.779° Long: -113.032° Elevation: 5'
Bing, Google,
OldMapsOnline,
USGS, OHM
See Also:
- Walker Indian War (1854-1855)
- Mormon Fortifications
Links:
Related:
Brigham Young, Johnson's Fort, Mormon Fortifications,