Mormon pioneers arrive in the Salt Lake Valley.

Mormon explorers first pass through Cove Creek area, known as “pahumpa” to native peoples.

George A. Smith names the area “Cove Creek” en route to the Iron Mission in Cedar City.

Charles and Eleanor Willden move to Cedar City as part of the Iron Mission. On the way, they remark that Cove Creek would be a lovely place to settle.

Willden family establishes a fort and ranch at Cove Creek after their service in the Iron Mission comes to an end.

Brigham Young tours southern settlements, stopping at Fort Willden.

After a harsh winter, diseased cattle and the threat of troubles with Indians cause the Willdens to leave Cove Creek.

Telegraph from Logan to St. George is completed. Ira Hinckley answers a call to take over a Church-owned ranch and build a new fort at Cove Creek.

Ira Hinckley’s wife Angeline and her children move from Salt Lake City to Cove Fort.

Stagecoaches stop twice daily at Cove Fort.

Thomas and Elizabeth Kane stay at Cove Fort en route to St. George.

Ira Hinckley is called as stake president in Fillmore. He leaves the management of Cove Fort to his brother Arza.

Railroads in the area start to reduce visitor traffic at the fort.

Arza Hinckley leaves on a mission. Ira Hinckley returns to Cove Fort and resumes ranching.

Hinckley family leaves Cove Fort. Church leases the land to other ranchers.