About Us

The Bluff Fort Historic Site in southeastern Utah is dedicated to preserving the history and sharing the legacy the San Juan Mission Pioneers.  These people sold farms and businesses in established communities to answer a call from church leaders to colonize southeast Utah territory and to establish peaceable relations with the Native American tribes of the four corners region. 

In 1879, over 250 people traveled with 85 wagons and over 1200 head of livestock across the most inhospitable and rugged terrain in North America.  What was planned to be only a six-week trip took six months across a roadless wilderness with little water or vegetation for the livestock.

In April 1880, they halted their trek and established a new community, Bluff, Utah.  They built cabins, planted crops, set down roots, and labored to tame the San Juan River.  Bluff Fort Historic Site and these curated items from our gift shop help preserve their legacy and share their story.