Fort Utah

Many large pictures, and some paintings by Samuel Jepperson of the history of early Provo, are shared in this fascinating storybook. President John Somers Higbee, with his brother, Isaac, Jr. and Dimick B. Huntington as counselors, were in charge of the first settlement in Provo. They had many difficulties with the Indians. Discover how Squaw Peak got it's name. Learn about the Battle of Provo River with the Utes, where Joseph Higbee (the son of Isaac Jr.) was killed. Read about how the pioneers and Indians fished in the Provo River and in Utah Lake. Another exciting story is about Chief Sowiette, who stood up to Chief Walker and rescued the pioneers. Fort Utah was compiled especially for children, and for those who love Provo. “In March of 1849 I was in charge of a company, and sent to make a settlement in Utah Valley at Timpanogas, which we called Provo. We surveyed and drew numbers for city lots, and did the same with farming land. We built a stockade for our protection against the Indians. The Indians stole from us and annoyed us very much. The first white man killed was the son of my brother, Isaac. Joseph was a well-liked and promising young man. “The hardships endured through the Indian depredations were very grievous and discouraging. The need of food and clothing, serious. Some whole families lived months on fish, buttermilk, and a few roots they could dig. Armed men had to herd, guard stock, go with teams to work, and guard at night. In the fall of 1849 my brother Isaac was called to preside over Provo. I was sent on a mission to England, leaving Salt Lake City, October 1849.” - John Somers Higbee