Panguitch Fort

Panguitch began twice. About fifty settlers under Jens Nielson built a log fort here in March 1864, enclosing their homes and a single building that served for church, school, and dances. Three years later, as the Black Hawk War made the high valley unsafe, they gave it up entirely and fell back to Beaver and Parowan. Panguitch stood empty until 1870, when Brigham Young sent George Sevy to lead a second company back; the settlers who returned in 1871 found their old fort standing untouched. This time the town held.

What the plaque says

In March, 1864, about fifty pioneers under the leadership of Jens Nielson settled Panguitch. They built a fort of logs, enclosing their homes and a building used for church, school and recreation. The town was abandoned in 1867, because of Indian trouble, the people moving to Beaver, Parowan and Paragonah. In 1870 President Young called George W. Sevy to lead a company and resettle Panguitch. In March, 1871 a small group of people left Paragonah, arriving March 16, 1871. The fort had not been molested.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Panguitch — 0.2 mi
  A well-preserved pioneer town and gateway to Bryce Canyon
• Red Canyon — 8.0 mi
  A blazing red gateway carved by water and wind
• Panguitch Lake — 14 mi
  A Blue Ribbon trout lake at 8,400 feet on the Patchwork Parkway
• Bryce Canyon Lodge — 20 mi
  A 1925 National Historic Landmark perched on the canyon rim

More markers nearby

• The Panguitch Quilt Walk — steps away
• Panguitch Tithing Lot — steps away
• Panguitch Stake Tabernacle — steps away
• Social Hall — steps away