Skip to main content

Fort Deseret

Fort Deseret

The fort was constructed of adobe mud and straw in only 18 days by 98 men. It was 550' square with walls 10' high, 3' wide at the base and 1 1/2' thick at the top, resting on a lava rock foundation. Located in the Northwest and Southwest corners were Bastions and each of the side walls were equipped with a gate. The fort was built for the protection of the Mormon settlers to this area but was never used for its sole purpose, instead it housed livestock.

Today the only walls still standing of Fort Deseret is the front, small portions of the side walls, one Bastion room and some of the gun turrets. Every year the weather is slowly melting Fort Deseret away.

Enjoy our work? Help us keep going.

Now in its 75th year, American Heritage relies on contributions from readers like you to survive. You can support this magazine of trusted historical writing and the volunteers that sustain it by donating today.

Donate