This was the first trading post in Utah, originally called the Reed Trading Post, ownership was transferred to Antoine Robidoux in the 1830's. For Robidoux or Fort Winty, as it was sometimes called, served as an unsavory rendezvous, trading post, fort, and traveler's stop until 1844 when the post was burned to the ground and all white males were killed by the enraged Utes. Robidoux's absence saved him from this fate. An Indian agency was established near there from 1869-1912 when offices were moved to Fort Duchesne. Whiterocks Village, a prehistoric settlement was excavated by the University of Utah in 1966. A number of structures were unearthed as well as large quantities of cultural debris. Evidence indicated occupation by Fremont Culture about 850 A.D. It is listed as a historic site. It is not open to the public and little remains there. Permission to go onto this land must be granted by the Ute tribe. (435-722-5141)
"The Strip" was a triangular shaped piece of land, just east of Fort Duchesne, that was purchased from the Indians by a mining company. There was no law or authority to govern this piece of land and this little town quickly turned into a reckless and unlawful vice. Many killings took place there. The closest city was Boothill, located on the red bluff about 1 ½ miles away. The story has it that Butch Cassidy, who frequented this area, was seen there after he was supposedly killed in South American.
