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FAIRFIELD, Utah County — With the colder weather driving people indoors, it's the perfect time to go inside and tour the historic 150-year-old commissary and inn at Camp Floyd State Park Museum.
Located about 22 miles southwest of Lehi and 3 miles west of Eagle Mountain, Camp Floyd State Park Museum was established as a state park in 1964 after the Stagecoach Inn was purchased in 1958 and renovated, according to park manager Mark Trotter. The camp was established in 1858 after President James Buchanan dispatched 3,500 soldiers to Utah to suppress what he believed was an uprising from the Mormons, Trotter said. However, there wasn't a rebellion and a war never took place in Utah.
The army stayed at Camp Floyd to monitor the Mormons and explore the western frontier until 1861 when they were called back east to fight in the Civil War, Trotter said.
"It tells a bit of the story of Utah's history that doesn't really get told a whole lot," he said. "Nothing was really gained out of it so everybody just kind of swept it under the rug."
The 2,400-square foot commissary building was eventually converted into a museum and now houses many military artifacts and replicas. Visitors can expect to see a large collection of smoking pipes, parts of military uniforms and weapons from the 1800s.
The historic Stagecoach Inn was built across the street from the commissary in 1858, Trotter said. It was built by John Carson as a rest stop along the Overland Stage Route and the Pony Express Route.
"Because of its proximity to old Camp Floyd, the clientele naturally included large numbers of armed personnel," according to the state park website. "It was one of the few respectable establishments in this frontier town. Seventeen saloons and other entertainment locations catered to the needs of a military population."
Visitors can tour the Stagecoach Inn and see the kitchen area, washroom and the living quarters for the family who owned it.
Also included near the inn and commissary is the Fairfield District Schoolhouse. It was built in 1898 and was used as a school until 1937, when local students started getting bused to schools in Lehi, Trotter said.
A cemetery is also located in the state park about a half mile from the commissary. There are about 35 graves there, but all the markers are blank because the military wasn't responsible for soldier burials in the 1800s, Trotter said. However, a monument was placed at the cemetery and dedicated by the War Department in 1913, according to the state website.
Several events are held at Camp Floyd State Park Museum each year, including a "Ghosts of Camp Floyd" investigation, Trotter said. Some locals believe the area is haunted so each October before Halloween, visitors are allowed to do a paranormal investigation of the buildings using cameras. The groups can also visit the Camp Floyd Cemetery.
The park also hosts several youth groups each summer and holds army re-enactments where the participants are "recruited" and perform daily military tasks, Trotter said. An 1800s dance is also held each February and the public is encouraged to wear period-themed costumes.
Trotter said Camp Floyd State Park Museum has a lot of rich history and activities to offer to the public.
"The whole park is actually a gem in my opinion," he said. "It's just a fun little spot to see."
