Cove Fort Days.....

I don't know how many times we have driven past the Cove Fort exit and said to ourselves we should stop there one of these days. We finally did on our last trip up to American Fork. They were having their annual celebration days. It was well worth the stop and a good break for the kids. The Fort is of historical significance to the church not because there was ever a battle here, but because it was used as relief for pioneers traveling to the St. George Temple. Many made the journey to get married in the temple, hence the nickname "honeymoon trail" was given to the stretch of road between Salt Lake and St. George. President Hinkley's grandparents ran the Fort. They lived there and would offer hot meals, soft beds, and what ever they could to help refresh the weary travelers for the rest of their journey. They always had an amazing garden, and sister Hinkley was always cooking and baking for the travelers. Today there are probably 20 missionary couples that live on the grounds, garden, and give tours of the Fort. There was a very calm, peaceful feeling on the grounds of the fort. It was beautiful. This is the entry to the Fort. They are the original doors, and stone. The stonework was truly beautiful. It is set up in a square with a courtyard in the middle. All of the living quarters make up the perimeter of the square.

The kids got to sit in a covered wagon.We got a ride in the Wells Fargo Stage Coach, which was so cool. It sits on leather straps to absorb the jarring from the bumps, olden time shocks.

They also got to ride in a covered wagon.

There were all kinds of neat pioneer games and activities. Here Kennedi is using a loom to make a rug made out of the fabric scraps. The pioneers made such beautiful handy work, it was amazing to see how they did a lot of it.

Stetson had a go at it too.

This ox was so huge. It was neat to see the old wooden yoke on him too. There is a beautiful barn on the property (sorry I didn't get a picture) that the church rebuilt to the exact dimensions, and specifications, and without any nails~they used wood pegs. It was amazing! We had a wonderful time at the Fort. I am so glad we finally stopped to learn a little more about the pioneers.