In 1872-73 a two and two-thirds mile square, protective military reservation was established following the request of C.M. Hawley, Associate Justice, Utah Territory. Built of native rock and lumber, it received 250 troops Sept. 7, 1873, Major John B. Wilkins, Commander. Fort abandoned May 1883. L.D.S. Church purchased one-half. J.R. Murdock, P.T. Farnsworth gave the other half as a site for the B.Y.U. Beaver Branch. Murdock Academy opened Sept. 26, 1898. Closed 1922.
This Carnegie Library in Beaver is built in a Federalist Revival Style. Its plan is rectangular, with the broad side to the street. It has a flat roof and the front façade has a central door and two windows on either side, all of which are arranged with bilateral symmetry. The window detiling and the cornice are the most interesting architectural features on the exterior. The main windows are quite large and are filled with small panes of glass and wooden mullions. The windows are all arched and above them are arched transom windows with swag-like mullions. There are side lights as well and all the glass is outlined and emphasized with broad bands of decorative brickwork. The cornice is approximately 3 feet wide and is overhanging and banded with molding. Besides this, there are several decorative brick patterns and 2 brick string courses on the exterior. This brick is yellow color and was imported to Beaver. On the interior, the building still retains its original high ceilings, book cases, and furnishings. Only a month ago were the original hardwood floors covered with indoor/outdoor carpet.
Built in 1917 at 55 West Center Street in Beaver, Utah
The library is an excellent example of the Federalist Revival Style and is the only building designed so clearly in this style in Beaver. The building is one of a series of small town libraries built to enhance the cultural and educational life of rural areas by the Carnigie family. That it has remained totally unaltered until 1979 is a tribute to its excellent design and workmanship.
In 1860 Samuel Edwards, George Horton, William Richards and David Miller with their families came from Parowan and Cedar City and settled Dry Creek. Soon others followed. Homes were built of logs, rock, and adobe. The meadows were covered with lush growth which furnished winter feed and summer pasture, hence the name of “Greenville.” A grist mill was built in 1865 by William Barton which served nearby communities. The first log school house was built on the site where a church was later erected. It was used for church and school until 1906. An L.D.S. Ward was organized in 1872 with Robert Easton as Bishop.
This is D.U.P. Historic Marker #243 (see others in the series on this page) located at 480 West Main Street in Greenville, Utah
