If you are looking for a historical and possibly haunted destination in Utah, you might want to check out Camp Floyd State Park Museum and the Stagecoach Inn in Fairfield. These sites offer a glimpse into the past of the American West, when the U.S. Army, Mormon pioneers, stagecoach travelers, and the Pony Express crossed paths in this remote valley.
Camp Floyd was established in 1858 by the U.S. Army under the command of Brigadier General Albert Sydney Johnston. The army was sent by President James Buchanan to quell a rumored Mormon rebellion, known as the Utah War. The camp housed about 3,500 troops, cavalry, infantry, and artillery units, making it the largest concentration of army forces in the U.S. at the time. The camp consisted of about 400 buildings and was named after Secretary of War John B. Floyd, who later resigned and joined the Confederacy.
The army stayed at Camp Floyd for three years, but never engaged in any battle with the Mormons. The camp was a major economic and social hub for the region, attracting merchants, miners, gamblers, and entertainers. The town of Fairfield grew around the camp, reaching a population of about 7,000 people at its peak. The camp also served as a stop for the Overland Stagecoach and the Pony Express, connecting Utah with California and the East.
In 1861, when the Civil War broke out, the army abandoned Camp Floyd and marched east to join the conflict. The camp was briefly renamed Fort Crittenden before it was evacuated. Most of the buildings were sold or dismantled by local residents. The town of Fairfield declined rapidly, leaving only a few families behind.
Today, Camp Floyd State Park Museum preserves some of the remnants of this fascinating chapter of Utah's history. You can visit the commissary building, which serves as a visitor center and museum, displaying artifacts and exhibits about the camp and its inhabitants. You can also see the cemetery, where some of the soldiers and civilians who died at Camp Floyd are buried.
One of the highlights of the park is the Stagecoach Inn, which was built in 1858 by John Carson, a former army sutler. The inn was a popular lodging place for travelers on the stagecoach and Pony Express routes. It also hosted some famous guests, such as Sir Richard Burton, Horace Greeley, and Mark Twain. The inn has been restored to its original appearance and furnished with period items. You can tour the inn and see how people lived and traveled in the 19th century.
But there is more to Camp Floyd and the Stagecoach Inn than meets the eye. Some people believe that these sites are haunted by the spirits of those who lived and died here. Staff members and visitors have reported various paranormal phenomena, such as strange noises, cold spots, apparitions, and feelings of being watched or touched. Some claim to have seen a ghostly dress floating in mid-air at the inn or heard footsteps and voices at the camp.
If you are interested in exploring these mysteries for yourself, you can join one of the ghost tours or investigations that are occasionally offered by the park or by paranormal groups. You can also participate in other special events and programs that are held throughout the year, such as reenactments, lectures, concerts, and camps.
Camp Floyd State Park Museum and Stagecoach Inn are open year-round from Monday to Saturday (and Sunday during summer). The admission fee is $3 per person or $9 per family. The park is located at 18035 West 1540 North in Fairfield, Utah. For more information, you can visit their website or call 801-768-8932.
Whether you are a history buff or a ghost hunter (or both), Camp Floyd State Park Museum and Stagecoach Inn are worth a visit. You will not only learn about an important and intriguing part of Utah's past but also experience some of its present-day charm and mystery.
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