Union Fort

Most forts took their names from a founder or a landmark; this one was named for an idea. The pioneers who settled here in 1849 built Union Fort in 1853–54 on ten acres donated by Jehu Cox, walling in twenty-three homes and a building that served as school, church, and dance hall. The rock-and-adobe wall stood twelve feet high, six feet thick at its base. The schoolteacher William McGuire proposed the name Union to honor the unity among the settlers — the cooperation that let a small band raise a wall like that and hold together behind it.

What the plaque says

Early in 1849 the Pioneers of Union settled 1½ miles South-East of here, water, grass, wood and clay were abundant, Silas Richards first Bishop and school teacher arrived November 4, 1949. In 1853-54 Union Fort was built on ten acres donated by Jehu Cox. The wall made of rocks and adobes with clay mortar was 6 feet thick at the base, 2 feet at the top and 12 feet high. It enclosed 23 homes and a school used also as a Church and amusement hall. The wall ran North and South 25 feet West of this marker. The name "union" was suggested by William McGuire, school teacher, to emphasize the unity existing among the Saints.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• International Peace Gardens — 7.7 mi
  A hidden garden where 28 countries are represented in miniature
• Gilgal Sculpture Garden — 8.4 mi
  A surreal and eccentric sculpture garden hidden in a residential neighborhood
• Liberty Park — 8.6 mi
  Salt Lake Citys beloved 80-acre urban park since 1882
• This Is The Place Heritage Park — 9.4 mi
  A living history village at the mouth of Emigration Canyon

More markers nearby

• Mormon Battalion Monument — 1.0 mi
• Union Pioneer Cemetery — 1.0 mi
• South Cottonwood Campground (Half-way Camp) — 2.0 mi
• The Old Rock Granary — 2.0 mi