Fruita Rural Historic District: Cultural Landscape Inventory, Capitol Reef National Park, National Park Service

Gilbert, Cathy; McKoy, Kathy

The Fruita Rural Historic District is a component landscape of the Capitol Reef National Park in south-central Utah. It covers approximately 200 acres in the Fremont River district of the park, which encompasses the site of the historic community of Fruita. The area is physically defined by two canyons that intersect at the confluence of the Fremont River and Sulphur Creek. The canyon's steep cliffs restrict views and development in the district. The Fruita Rural Historic District contains a cluster of late 19th century and early 20th century Mormon farmhouses and associated features, as well as a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) era Ranger Station. The district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. The period of significance begins in 1895 with the construction of the Leo R. Holt House and the earliest documented irrigation ditches in the valley. It continues until 1947, after the park was established but prior to the Mission 66 park development era. The district is locally significant for its association with the small Mormon town of Fruita that was established in the Fremont River Valley during the late 19th century. It is significant in areas of settlement, agriculture, and ethnic heritage, illustrated by the site's role in the development of the local fruit industry and its ties to Mormon cultural traditions. The district provides an example of how cooperative agricultural practices allowed Mormon settlers to make a successful living even in challenging environments. Additionally, one rustic-designed building added in 1940 by the CCC, the Ranger Station, is significant in the areas of architecture and government. The Fruita district functions as the primary visitor contact point to the park. It is the location for the majority of visitor services, as well as park headquarters and operations. The superintendent's office and museum storage are located in the historic ranger station. The visitor center and maintenance facilities were built in 1968 as part of the Mission 66 master plan for the park. Residences for park staff, primarily added between 1962 and 1964, are concentrated nearby. Three other buildings in Fruita have provided housing for park staff: the Holt house (1895), Sprang house (1957), and the Brimhall house (1959). The Brimhall house provides accommodation for employees and seasonal volunteers, the Sprang house is currently vacant, and the Holt house is currently used as a curatorial storage and work area. Five new residences have been added to this area since 1993. There are two campgrounds in Fruita. One campground was constructed in 1964 and expanded in 1987, containing just over 70 sites. A group camping area was built south of the Cass Mulford Orchard in 1987. Two picnic areas are located in the central portion of the district, both were constructed in the late 1960s. Vegetation in Fruita is dominated by the agricultural lands along the canyon bottom. Approximately 2,500 orchard trees on 40 acres, and 25 acres of open fields and pasture lands complete the agricultural landscape of the historic district. Riparian vegetation along the Fremont River and Sulphur Creek reflects years of disturbance by flooding, grazing, irrigation works, and other impacts associated with farming practices dating from the 1880s. Historic orchards are maintained using current horticultural practices, and fruit is harvested using a "pick-your-own" system and sold to the public. The Fruita Rural Historic District retains integrity. While the overall organization and pattern of the agricultural community remains visible, many structures built during the period of significance were removed. The condition of the district is Fair, an indicator that corrective action is needed to protect the district’s cultural and natural resources.

Fruita Rural Historic District: Cultural Landscape Inventory, Capitol Reef National Park, National Park Service

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