History of Fremont Indian State Park

The History of Fremont Indian State Park dates back thousands of years. Located in Utah, the park is home to some of the most important archaeological sites in the region. The park was once home to the Fremont Indians, who lived in this area from about 800 AD until approximately 1300 AD. They were semi-nomadic people who built pithouses and raised corn, beans and squash.

When white settlers arrived in Utah in the mid-1800s, most Native Americans had left the area, leaving behind a rich archaeological record. The first settlers were Mormon pioneers, who used the area for grazing livestock. By the late 1800s, miners had also arrived and began to extract coal from nearby mines.

In the early 1900s, local ranchers and farmers settled in the area. They built log cabins as well as small irrigation systems to water their crops. The community began to grow with a post office, stores, a church and even a school. These settlers helped shape the landscape of Fremont Indian State Park by constructing roads, buildings and other infrastructure.

The inspiration behind the Fremont culture was a result of archaeological findings in 1928 near Capitol Reef National Park. This discovery uncovered distinct structures and artifacts that differed from those found in Anasazi sites to the south. These unique characteristics included new pottery types, never-before-seen moccasins, clay figurines, and petroglyphs with trapezoidal body shapes.

In 1983, the largest Fremont Village was stumbled upon during the construction of Interstate 70 through Clear Creek Canyon. Recognizing the importance of preserving this valuable collection of rock art and archaeological sites, the Fremont Indian State Park and Museum was established by the Utah Legislature after two years of rigorous archaeological work.

The park is intended to serve as an educational resource, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn about the Fremont culture and its role in Utah's history. The museum contains artifacts from the archaeological sites, many of which are on display for visitors to view.

Discover the rich history of Fremont and Native Americans at our visitor center and museum. Immerse yourself in the past as you explore a replica of a Fremont pit house and granary. Take in the breathtaking rock art along our park trails and experience the captivating beauty of the area. Our wheelchair-accessible interpretive trail offers a great starting point for your adventure. Don't forget to visit our reconstructed pioneer cabin at the picnic area, just a mile east of the visitor center. Request a tour and step back in time to the 1880s.

As you visit Clear Creek Canyon, keep in mind the sacred significance it holds for Native Americans. The stunning cliffs and boulders in the area are adorned with remarkable rock art. However, it's crucial to remember that human interaction can harm these delicate creations. Resist the temptation to touch the artwork, as the oils on your skin can cause damage. Vandalism is also a threat that we must combat together. Let's preserve the rock art for future generations by being careful and respectful.

Conveniently located along Interstate 70, approximately 20 miles south of Richfield, Utah, the Fremont Indian State Park and Museum awaits your discovery.