Discover Camp Floyd’s hidden history
A few miles west of Eagle Mountain, past open fields and rolling foothills, history quietly lingers at Camp Floyd State Park.
Many locals drive past without a second thought, unaware that this site once housed the largest military installation in the United States. Now, the park stands as a living museum, offering visitors a glimpse into a nearly forgotten chapter of American history.
Camp Floyd State Park Manager Clay Shelley says that despite being just five miles from Eagle Mountain, many residents have never visited.
“We do vendor booths at Eagle Mountain City events and ShopFest, and people say they’ve never heard of us,” Shelley said. “We’re right in their backyard, but they don’t realize the history we have here.”
That history dates back to 1858 when President James Buchanan sent 3,500 U.S. Army troops to Utah to suppress a rumored Mormon rebellion. The conflict never materialized, but Camp Floyd, along with Fairfield, became a bustling community for military and civilian life. The nearby town of Fairfield swelled to nearly 7,000 residents, making it one of Utah’s largest communities at the time.
But Fairfield was not just a military outpost—it was also one of the most unruly towns in Utah’s history. The influx of soldiers and opportunistic settlers brought saloons, gambling halls, and a red-light district that gained a notorious reputation.
Crime was rampant, with Main Street becoming the backdrop for frequent violence, including murders and shootouts. The town’s lawlessness became so severe that Utah’s territorial governor, Alfred Cumming, remarked that Fairfield’s crime problem was beyond the local sheriff’s control and suggested allocating funds from the territorial treasury to clean up the town.
Despite these efforts, Fairfield remained a hotspot of vice until the army withdrew in 1861, causing the population to plummet and the town’s wild days to fade into history.
Today, visitors can explore that past at the Camp Floyd State Park Museum, located inside the original commissary building. Artifacts and exhibits detail the camp’s short-lived yet significant role in the West. Next door, the restored Stagecoach Inn—once a vital stop for travelers and Pony Express riders—gives visitors a feel for what life was like on the frontier.
For those looking for a more immersive experience, the park offers a variety of educational programs.
School groups often visit for hands-on field trips, and families can participate in historical re-enactments, campfire programs, and even paranormal tours. The park hosts events year-round, including the Cowboy Way of Life Festival and an annual spring egg hunt for kids.
“We try to make history come alive,” Shelley said. “We want people to experience what it was like to live here in the 1850s.”
With just two full-time staff members, three seasonal employees, and a handful of volunteers, the park relies on community involvement. Shelley encourages residents to volunteer and bring their families to participate in educational programs.
“We have opportunities for everyone—moms, dads, kids,” he said. “It’s a great way to be part of something special.”
As Eagle Mountain continues to grow, Camp Floyd State Park remains a quiet but significant landmark of the area’s past. For residents looking for an afternoon adventure steeped in history, the park offers a short drive and a long journey back in time.
For more information on upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, visit the Camp Floyd State Park website.
