Near Panguitch in Garfield County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Historic Fort Sanford

Photographed by James Hulse, April 4, 2025

1. Historic Fort Sanford Marker

Inscription. Numerous fortifications were erected in Central and Southern Utah in 1865 and 1866 during the Black Hawk Indian War to protect small settlements against attack by bands of Ute, Paiute, and Navajo Indians. Most were built around the towns themselves, and generally by the local citizens, but Fort Sanford was unique in design, construction, and purpose.

By orders from the commanding officers of the Territorial Militia and the Iron Military District, Major Silas Sanford Smith was directed to raise a force of fifty well-armed men to help protect the settlements of Circleville and Panguitch and to construct a fortification near the confluence of Bear Creek and the Sevier River. This was a strategic location commanding the Ute Indian Trail as well as the north-south route taken by pioneer settlers traveling through the area and along the Old Spanish Trail. Each provided access to the western regions.

Although Fort Sanford was in operation for a relatively short period of time, it represented a unique chapter in the history of this area. This monument is a tribute to the soldiers who built the Fort and the pioneers it protected.

To

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learn more, turn east on Sanford Road and look for another marker.

Erected 2020 by Cornelia Loyhova Camp Daughters of Utah Pioneers. (Marker Number 588.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical year for this entry is 1865.

Location. 37° 56.499′ N, 112° 25.373′ W. Marker is near Panguitch, Utah, in Garfield County. It is at the intersection of U.S. 89 and E Sandford Crk Rd, on the left when traveling south on U.S. 89. The marker is located along the side of the highway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Panguitch UT 84759, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Canyon Country

and specifically in Color Country. It is also in the American Mountain West,

on the Colorado Plateau,

and at the Four Corners.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured

Photographed by James Hulse, April 4, 2025

2. Historic Fort Sanford Marker

as the crow flies: A different marker also named Historic Fort Sanford (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Spanish National Historic Trail (approx. 6½ miles away); Kate Lublin Alexander Cabin (approx. 7.4 miles away); Cowboy’s Smokehouse Café / The Historic Gem Theatre (approx. 8.1 miles away); Lee’s Indian Store / NAPA Auto Parts (approx. 8.2 miles away); A Modern Handcart Company / Garfield Memorial Foundation Thrift Store (approx. 8.2 miles away); The Original Kenny Ray’s Restaurant / Historic Panguitch Inn (approx. 8.2 miles away); Cowboy Collectibles / S&C Corral (approx. 8.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Panguitch.

The view of the Historic Fort Sanford Marker along the road image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, April 4, 2025

3. The view of the Historic Fort Sanford Marker along the road

Credits. This page was last revised on May 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 9, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,359 times since then and 329 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 10, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.