Dover, Utah
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Coordinates: Dover is a ghost town located in Sanpete County, Utah, United States. The site lies west of Fayette across the Sevier River.
[edit] History
The land was first settled in 1877–1878 by forty-five families led by William Robinson. They found the soil was good, but water somewhat scarce. By 1879 they had a schoolhouse, also used for church and civic functions, and a post office, which operated until 1895. There were also two general stores, where residents typically paid for goods in kind with eggs.[1]
When Utah Territory achieved statehood on January 4, 1896, Dover's celebrations took a tragic turn. They had no cannon to fire, instead exploding some dynamite with a well-driving hammer.[2] The hammer, which had been through many such celebrations before,[1] blew apart, injuring several people.[2]
In the years 1910–1916, irrigation companies in Millard County dammed the Sevier River some distance to the north.[3] The reservoir covered parts of Dover's farmland, driving out some of the residents.[2] A severe drought in the 1930s finished off the town; a few houses were moved, and most of the others were later torn down.[1] Nothing remains but some foundations and fallen buildings, and a memorial cemetery.
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Carr, Stephen L. [June 1972] (1986). The Historical Guide to Utah Ghost Towns, 3rd edition, Salt Lake City: Western Epics, p.101. ISBN 0-914740-30-X.
- ^ a b c Antrei, Albert C.T.; Roberts, Allen D. (January 1999). A History of Sanpete County, Utah Centennial County History Series. Salt Lake City, Utah: Utah State Historical Society, pp.364–365. ISBN 0-913738-42-5.
- ^ Antrei, p.372.
[edit] External links
- Dover at GhostTowns.com
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