Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Camp Floyd



Yesterday, our family got together at Lori's for Labor Day. Previous to our gathering at Lori's, we drove out to Fairfield so we could see the area where Camp Floyd was once a huge military base for Johnston's army in 1858 to 1861.

But the most significant thing about this place for our family is that Bernell's great, great, grandfather, John Carson, was the person who established this town in 1855 with his four brothers. The settlement was first known as Frogtown.
This tree we are standing in front of was planted by John Carson 152 years ago.
John Carson built this two-story adobe and frame hotel called the 'Stagecoach Inn' in 1858. It was the first stop south of Salt Lake City on the Overland Stage Route. It also served as one of 157 way-stations during the operation of the Pony Express.
It was one of the few respectable establishments in this frontier town. It lodged visitors such as Mark Twin, Porter Rockwell, Bill Hickman, and Sir Richard Burton.
It has been restored and John Carson's pedigree is framed on the wall.


In 1858 Camp Floyd was established near Fairfield with soldiers numbering 3,500. Fairfield became the third-largest city in Utah and the country's largest military post. Fairfield grew to 7,000 people and along with it many saloons, businesses, gamblers, thieves, etc.
The kids had some fun dressing up in military uniforms, marching, and learning some gun handling techniques.
Becca and Isaac look pretty sharp. Attention!!!!
What a great way to see some family history. Standing in the home where they lived 150 years ago and learning more about them was a special experience. Makes family history real!!!