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In 1849 an expedition led by Parley O. Pratt explored the Cove Creek area. The Pratt expedition was ordered by Brigham Young and was part of his effort to find new areas for Morman settlement south of Salt Lake. In 1867 Young asked Ira Hinckley to build a fort on Cove Creek between the Fillmore and Beaver settlements. During the next two decades Cove Fort served as an important way station for travelers, Pony Express riders, and stage coaches. In 1890 it was leased out by the Morman Church and at the turn of the century it was sold. In 1988 the fort was purchased by the Hinckley family and gifted to the Morman Church. In 1994 Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated the Fort Cove Historic Complex. It has been restored with authentic pieces dating from the period between 1867 and 1877 - the hey day of the fort - and is one of the very best such museums in the western United States. If you are interested in the West, Cove Fort should be on your short list of Must See museums.
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