Murders and mystery: The dark history behind Camp Floyd
FAIRFIELD, Utah () — There's more that meets the eye to an abandoned Civil War-era military base deep in the desert of Utah County, from assassinations to masonry.
, now a state park, was once a U.S. military camp that housed the largest concentration of troops at the time. Amid rumors of Mormon rebellion in Utah, President James Buchanan ordered 2,500 soldiers to the area in May 1857.
With little to do, soldiers began building watering systems, planting gardens, and even organized a circus. Members of the Army even formed Utah's first Masonic lodge. Many artifacts still remain on the site, including a number of unmarked graves.
A marker at the camp's cemetery shows over 40 soldiers died during the camp's short, three-year stint. Many of the soldiers died under suspicious circumstances. At least four men were found murdered, while 20 are believed to have died of disease or illness.
Those believed to have been murdered include the following: Private William Bryan, Private Edward O'Hara, Corporal Christian, Otterback, and 1st Sergeant Ralph Pike. Little is known about the deaths; however, records show Pike was assassinated in Salt Lake City on Aug. 14, 1859.
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Despite records of 44 deaths, a radar scan conducted in 2009 found just 30 burials and one double-burial at the cemetery.
The camp was not officially rectified until November of 1858. Within just three years, the base was abandoned due to the outbreak of the Civil War.
Camp Floyd historic sites open for Memorial Day (Courtesy: MJ Jewkes)
Camp Floyd State Park continues to host each year on Memorial Day. Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors will be able to experience camp life through demonstrations like cannon and musket fire. The museum entrance fee is $5 per person and $15 per family. Tours of the historic Stagecoach Inn, which housed many civilians on the base, are also available.
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