Last updated: 4/13/2011
2450 A Avenue
Ogden, UT 84401
1181 N Fairgrounds Dr
Ogden, UT 84404
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Ashley Earl
phone: 801-399-8491
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Located on an 84-acre river tract of land near the Weber River, the fort symbolizes a period of western history that was the transition from nomadic ways of the Indian tribes and trappers to the first permanent settlers in the Great Basin. Facilities at the fort include picnic areas, a canoeing pond, the replica fort including three cabins and restrooms.
One of the most fascinating periods in Western American folklore is the mountain man era. The names such as Jim Bridger, Peter Skene Ogden, Jedediah Smith, Etienne Provost, and Hugh Glass, bring to mind strong, independent and rugged men who fearlessly lived in the Rocky Mountains. There they traded with the Indian tribes, married the Indian women, trapped the rivers for beaver, and lived off the land. The legendary rendezvous, where mountain men gathered annually to trade furs for supplies and to eat, drink, and tell stories and demonstrate their skills, have become as famous as the men themselves.
At Fort Buenaventura, located just west of the city center, that exciting era is brought back to life, where authentic artifacts are on display. Even the famous rendezvous’ are re-enacted on special occasions. The Trading Post is open year round on Saturdays. Other facilities, including camping and canoeing, are closed from Thanksgiving to Easter.
Fort Buenaventura has been constructed on the original site of the fort that was built in 1845 by Miles Goodyear and his wife. It has been reconstructed according to archaeological and historical research. The recreated fort’s dimensions, height of pickets, method of construction, and number and styles of log cabins are all based on documented facts. There are no nails in the stockade; instead historic wooden pegs and mortis and tenion joints hold the wall together.
Groups of 50 students or more are offered hands-on lessons in the history of the fort, fur trappers, Utah ’s Native Americans, and pioneer settlers. Teachers can choose up to four stations such as fire starting, black powder and trapping. A fee of $2 per student provides this experience. Canoe rental is also available for a fee of $5.00 per hour or $3.00 per half hour. Call us at (801) 399-8491 to make your appointment for Fall, Spring or Summer.
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