Moab in Grand County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Elk Mountain Mission

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, May 19, 2016

1. Elk Mountain Mission Marker

Inscription. In April 1855, forty one men under the leadership of Alfred N. Billings were called to establish a mission in the Elk Mountains. They left Salt Lake City May 7, 1855, arrived at Grand River June 11, and selected the site for a settlement. By July 15, they had built a fort 64 feet square, with stone walls, 12 feet high, 4 feet at the base and 1 & 1/2 feet at the top. Three of the pioneers, James. W. Hunt, Edward Edwards and William Behunin were buried within the enclosure, which was located about 800 feet from this monument.

Plaque below marker:
This monument was relocated in April 2006. The monument was formerly located at 995 N. Highway 191, which is 1.5 miles northwest of where the monument now stands. The location of the Old Fort was 3000 ft W, 1320 ft from the NW corner of Sec 34 Township 25 S, Range 21 E, Salt Lake Base Meridian.

Erected 1940 by Moab Camp, Daughters of Utah Pioneers. (Marker Number 65.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Exploration • Forts and Castles. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of Utah Pioneers series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1855.

Location. 38° 34.433′ N, 109° 32.827′ W.

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Marker is in Moab, Utah, in Grand County. Marker is on North 200 West south of East 100 North, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Moab UT 84532, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Early L.D.S. Church (a few steps from this marker); Moab L.D.S. Church (a few steps from this marker); The Old Log Cabin (a few steps from this marker); Star Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Star Hall History (within shouting distance of this marker); Scott M. Matheson (approx. 1.3 miles away); Grand Old Ranch House (approx. 1.6 miles away); Moab Utah UMTRA Project (approx. 3.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Moab.

Additional commentary.
1. The bodies of the slain missionaries were probably not buried
One man died just before dawn, only hours before the mission was abandoned. The other two died on the mountain where the native freebooters surprised and killed them. The missionaries at the fort heard the shots. No mention of retrieving the bodies and no mention of burial of the bodies are found in the diaries, letters, and journals of the missionaries. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor

— Submitted
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, May 19, 2016

2. Plaque below:
Elk Mountain Mission Marker
February 2, 2018.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, May 19, 2016

3. Elk Mountain Mission Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 23, 2018. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2016, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 604 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 8, 2016, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona.