Sites & Markers
The history of Sevier County dates back to the 1860's when the first settlers arrived in the valley. After a brief time away from the area during the Blackhawk War, settlers returned to begin building the foundation for today's Sevier County. Some of the historic buildings and sites still stand or are identified with markers and may be of interest to visitors.
JENSEN LIME KILN
Follow Richfield's Main Street north - under I-70Built in 1903 by Jens L. Jensen, Richfield's well-known lime burner, the kiln cured lime for mortar to be used in rock and brick structures. The kiln measures 20 feet high and about 20 feet in diameter, with a wall thickness of about 8 feet. Jensen went blind because of the intense heat of the kiln. The kiln's appearance remains the same as when it was operational.
ROCK CHURCH MARKER AND BELL
87 South and 100 East in SalinaErection of the first building for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints commenced in 1864. Rocks for the building were hauled from a quarry two miles northeast of Salina. Settlers used the structure as a fort for protection against Indians, as well as a church, school and for community gatherings.
FORT ALMA
200 North and 100 West in MonroeFort Alma was built on this site in 1866 as protection of local Native Americans. The fort included 18 one-room cabins constructed very closely together to form three sides of the fort. The structure took nine months to build, during which time the settlers lived in dugouts.
CEDAR RIDGE MOUNTAIN BATTLE
Sigurd Park near Cedar Ridge in SigurdOn April 5, 1868, a group of 23 men on their way to settle Monroe were attacked by Chief Black Hawk and a band of thirty Indians. Two of the men were wounded and Chief Black Hawk received the wound that would eventually kill him.
PEACE TREATY MONUMENT
Highway 24, south of Koosharem ReservoirOn July 1, 1883, local Native Americans met with Albert Thurber and George Bean and signed a peace treaty that would never be broken. The treaty brought an end to the Blackhawk War.
REDMOND TOWN HALL
18 West Main Street - RedmondThe original Town Hall in Redmond consisted of an adobe structure built in 1881 and an adjoining rock structure built in the 1890's. The building was used as a community center for religious, educational, social and political purposes.
BURR HOUSE / VICTORIAN INN
190 West Main Street - SalinaThis home, known as the Burr House, is over a century old and has only had three owners. Construction began in 1896 by P.F. Peterson and was completed in 1900. In 1919, it was sold for $4,800 (furnished) and became the headquarters for social gatherings. The home is now the Rosies to Posies.
FORT OMNI
Main to 100 West and Center to 100 North - RichfieldBuilt in 1865 or Red Sandstone, Fort Omni's walls were 12 feet high and 3 1/2 feet thick at the base. Each man who owned a lot within the city was required to build one rod of the wall. Men stood guard at the fort at all times, using signals to warn of dangers from Native Americans. The daughters of the Utah Pioneers erected a bell tower located at the corner of 100 South and 200 West in memory of the fort.