Old Mormon Fort

Several weeks ago while we were in Vegas we decided to take a short detour and visit the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort.  I have wanted to visit this historic site since moving out here, not just for the religious connection but because there is a family history connection that I wanted to share with my kiddos.

 

In 1855 Brigham Young, called William Bringhurst to lead 29 missionaries from Utah to a mission, at what was then known as, the Las Vegas Spring. President Young called this group to, "become self-sufficient, to provide a place of rest and security for travelers between California and Salt Lake City, and to teach the Indians the gospel of Jesus Christ."  This became the first non-Native American settlement in the Las Vegas Valley. In 1857 the mission was disbanded.  "These early pioneers returned to Utah but left a legacy of faith, devotion and service shown by their willingness to settle in this hostile environment."

I first learned about this fort from reading an article in the Church News many years ago.  Then again as I was reading personal histories of a couple of Paul's ancestors, William Bringhurst  and Aroet Lucius Hale (both 3rd Great-Grandfather's). William lead the mission and Aroet served as one of the missionaries.  When I read this I thought "how cool!"  I wanted to take my children there so they could have an opportunity to connect with their ancestors, their 4th Great-Grandfather's.


William Bringhurst

Aroet Lucius Hale

I don't think Paul was thrilled to go and from the look on the faces of my kiddos in the picture below you will see how thrilled they were to be there; but nonetheless they all humored their mother (and wife) and went along with only minor complaints.

The fort has not survived through history, but a portion has been rebuilt.  In reality the site is not that exciting but then again we did not go there for excitement.  I don't know if my kids and husband felt any connection to their heritage by visiting but I did. I feel that those Great-Grandpa's were grateful that a few members of their posterity came to remember them and honor their sacrifices.  It is for that reason that when the opportunities arise I will continue to drag my family to places that were significant in the lives of our ancestors.  When I am old and my kids are grown they can sit around and tell stories about how I drug them around to visit graves and sites significant to their family history and wish they had paid more attention. :)