Bluff Fort, Historic Site available at Bluff Fort

by Sally Jack
Contributing Writer
A new book, titled “Bluff Fort, Historic Site— Home of the Hole in the Rock Pioneers,” has just been published by the Hole in the Rock Foundation.
The 330-page book, with over 100 pages of full color pictures, tells the interesting story of the rebuilding of Bluff Fort, from its tumbledown condition to its present historical and museum-quality status, and shares little-known details and behind-the-scene miracles that came together to make it possible to create the Bluff Fort as it is today.  
With stories by Grant Taylor and others, “Bluff Fort, Historic Site” is the culmination of several years and the combined efforts of many volunteers. Photography by Erlene Taylor and others add detail and interest to the tale of the Fort’s journey. Former Bluff Fort missionary, Ron Bateman, edited the book using his experience and writing skills to pull the story and photos together into a beautiful narrative.
The story begins with Corinne Roring’s vison to rebuild the Bluff Fort, and continues with Corinne Roring, Graig Taylor, and Lamont Crabtree working together to stabilize the Joseph and Harriet Barton Cabin. This was followed by the building of the Log Meeting house, and the acquiring of the UNDC building which was used as the first visitor center.  It continues with the building of the Co-op Store/Visitor Center, the making of a movie about the Hole in the Rock Pioneers, and all the narrative static and audio messages around the Fort.  
Readers will get a glimpse of all the talented people, volunteers, and donors who just happened to be available at the right time to help make it possible to move the project forward, including: Gary and Sharon Guymon; some retired Latter-day Saint employees; a historic restoration specialist; Corinne’s Roring’s family; missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and skilled craftsmen, including Joe Hurst, who all worked together to create an amazing backdrop to tell the story of the Hole in the Rock Pioneers.
It is hoped that by recording this modern day history, it will continue the story of the San Juan Mission, sharing the courage and faith of people both past and present who truly saw the hand of God at work.  
Soft cover editions of the book are available at the Co-op store at the Bluff Fort. The book will also soon be available in hardbound and soft cover copies on Amazon books on demand.