OCR Text |
Show a isn Txploning iUe Many Wonders in Nine-Mi- le Canyon Today Bv Cheryl Mccham ' Nine-Mil- e Canyon has been called an open history book and the worlds longest art gallery, certainly, it is both, making it one of the most interesting scenic byways in Utah. The canyon was home to a primitive hunting and gathering culture who left their art on the sandstone cliffs. Two types of rock art dot die canyon: Petroglyphs, designs actually pecked out from rock, and pictographs, made from dyes painted onto cliff faces. The haunting shapes and symbols can often be seen next to die road so travelers can get a close-u- p view. Other messages from die past are scattered throughout the back-count- ry 40-mi- le canyon. From 1886 through 1910 Nine-MiCanyon road, constructed by the US 9th Cavalry was one of the most heavily traveled through eastern Utah. Horse-draw- n freight wagons hauled goods from die Price rail head to Uintah Basin communities. Some of these teamsters smeared their names and the date on the rocks with axle grease on the rock faces. Old iron telegraph poles, installed to support the military post in Fort Duchesne, remain standing. So do the abandoned cabins of early settlers, along with a ranch site known first as Brocks first owned by a man of that name, then sold to Pete Francis who developed the place commercially as a stop for stage coaches and freighters, complete with a saloon and IS room hotel. After Francis was allegedly shot to death in die saloon die place was sold to Preston Nutter, a cattle baron who used the site to serve as die headquarters to one ofhis large cattle enterprises. The rich history of Nine-Mil- e Canyon coupled with the scenic beauty is an unforgettable journey back in time, and just as the early PAGE 13 travelers prepared for their travels, so should the motorist. The canyon, which cuts through the Book Clifts between die Uintah Basin and Castle Country is lengthy, over SO miles. It is recommended that travelers are aware of the weather forecast. Thunderstorms may make the roads unsuitable for passenger cars. Because of the distance through the canyon it is recommended that motorists gas up their, vehicles, and take along a good spare, and plenty of water, and a picnic lunch. Cottonwood Glen, which was formerly called the Christianson place near the Wellington end of Nine-Mil- e is now under develop- ment to offer a rest area and picnicking. Thus for the Glen has a restroom facility, a pavilion and picnic tables. Reservations are required for group use and will be coordinated by Carbon County through College of Eastern Utah's library. The library's number is When development is com- - plete the Glen will have an information center and souvenir shop, additional picnic tables and a group staging area with amphi-theater. already this morning did you Well, I standin here on this ferry as wet as a fish and it didnt rain, so I reckon I did. Like I said yesterday, I dont have a lot a time to spare. Why don't you boys grab your horses right quick and well get this thing back to die other side. Gosh mister, we sure do appreciate you gettin the ferry for us and all. That meat tasted plumb good, too. Well, I have to travel around quite a bit and 1 spend a lot of time alone. I appreciate you boys letting me pitch in with you last night Ive got to get tidin. By the way, when you get to town, you can tell eveiybody you spent the night with Butch Cassidy." (The comments Cassidy makes about the beef in this historical novelette are taken from a family record. Honest The rest of it we had a little fun with. If youve ever been to a deer camp where some fool fixed a pot of beans die first night out you might figure its a pretty logical estimation of what Joshua and Nate were talking about on die way home.) le le Highway 50--6 through Wellington. Exit left. at the large gas station, you will notice a Byway sign and information kiosk, this is the historic trail heading to Nine-MiCanyon. Follow the paved road. The Federal Antiquities Act Back-Count- ry le R& R le CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 . Canyon can be accessed by Myton and Price. Traveling from Myton go west on US Highway 40 for 1.6 miles. Exit onto the first paved road to the left and travel anotlicr .3 miles. A Back- - Country Byway sign and information kiosk (small open sided structure) will appear. Leaving die kiosk, go 1.4 miles. Ascending sloping hills, several homes will be seen, and the road will cross a canal and come to a historical monument. Take the paved road right at the monument. from Traveling to Nine-MiPrice, go south 7.5 miles on Nine-Mi- Petroglyphs are found all over the Basin. Mountain sheep like these are a common depiction, pointing to their value to those who left their pictures behind, protects this entire region, which makes it unlawful to appropriate, excavate, injure, or destroy any historic or prehistoric ruin or monument or object of antiquity." PRop4(Vf r&rT paopaneL- J- B-B- -Q Grills, Cookstoves, Propane Parts & Accessories Nine Mile: Once home to a saloon, blacksmith shop and hotel, today Nine Mile houses a visitor b pavilion with rest rooms to make your trip man enjoyable. Work - 722-298- 3 Clynton Kelly-722-49- -7- 22-2886 02 hr Western Land Realty, Inc. "Duchesne County's Oldest Real Estate Company" Centrally Located At: 70 West Main, Duchesne We have been the recreational property specialists for the Uintah Basin for many years. We have properties available from the Fruitland area to Whiterocks Canyon Starting as low as $4900 for 5 acres with easy owner financing. Call Toll Free Gerald Wilkerson - Broker (435) (435) 738-23- 822-53- 04 00 Home -- Mobile -- Jon Wilkerson - Agent (801)968-394- 4 (435)738-555- 7 Fax (435) 738-55- Don Wilkerson - Agent 61 Salt Lake City |