The Original Old Fort Harmony

 

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Members of the FHHS board scouting for the original Location of the First Fort

John D. Lee named the first campsite Harmony. As he observed the valley, he envisioned a beautiful place where the pioneers could live in peace. It is refered to as "Harmony" in the 1856 census and in the early journals. This first fort was built out of wood. This site lasted two years at which time President Young instructed the saints to relocate the Fort four miles further north. He prophised that the Fort would be flooded if left at that site. This site later became property of Kelsey's Ranch. It is located on the north side of Ash Creek pond about 2/3 distance from the Highway 91 bridge. FHHS has located the site, it is on a bluff on the west side of the first road into the valley just before the road disappears into Ash Creek Pond.


This marsh area is where numerous springs seep from the hillside and eventually drain into Ash Creek. It is approximately 50 yards from the old Fort location.


On an elevated bluff over looking Ash Creek is the location of Old Fort Harmony

President Brigham Young and Parley P. Pratt marked the corners of the new Fort Harmony site and stepped out the parameters. President Young probably dedicated the Fort Harmony site. It was to be the best built Fort in the west. This site is now the present Fort Harmony.


Faintly visible is possibly the remains of the old road to the Fort

What remains were found at this site?


Wooden Post

Wood remains of the old Kelsey Ranch
which was located just North of the old Fort
Although there is very little evidence on the surface, this site will be a prime location for further excavation work
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