Exploring The Fruita Schoolhouse And Fremont Culture Petroglyphs In Capitol Reef National Park
The Fruita Schoolhouse is nestled below Wingate Sandstone cliffs and is a historic site located in the Fruita Historic District of Capitol Reef National Park in Utah.
The Fruita Schoolhouse was built in 1896 and Nettie Behunin, only twelve years old, was the first schoolteacher. The last class of students was taught in 1941.
The schoolhouse served as the primary educational facility for the children of the Fruita community.
The one-room schoolhouse provided education for children of various ages and was an important gathering place for the local residents.
It also served the community as a church, meeting place, and community center.
Today, the Fruita Schoolhouse is maintained by the National Park Service.
Visitors can peek inside the windows and get a glimpse of what schooling was like in the early 1900s. Desks, blackboards, and other artifacts from that era are on display inside the building.
There are orchards adjacent and across the road from the schoolhouse to explore. If you’re lucky you might see mule deer grazing nearby like we did.
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 23, 1972.
To reach the Fruita Schoolhouse just travel a mile past the Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center down Utah State Route 24 and you will see it on your left (38.28811, -111.24815).
Just 1/2 mile down Utah State Route 24 past the schoolhouse you will find the Fremont Culture Petroglyphs Panel on your left (38.28842, -111.24239).
Two wooden boardwalks will take you to petroglyphs carved into the Wingate sandstone cliffs. The boardwalks are wheelchair accessible
The Fremont Culture lived in Utah for about one thousand years, from 300-1300 Common Era. They were named for the Fremont River Canyon where they were first defined as a distinct culture.
The carvings depict human figures, animals, abstract designs, and symbols. Interpretive signs provide information about the significance of the petroglyphs and the culture that created them.
We saw mule deer grazing here during our visit as well which just added to the experience.
Checking out the Fruita Schoolhouse and Fremont Culture Petroglyphs won’t take much time and is an excellent way to learn more about the history of the Fruita District in Capitol Reef National Park.
Please remember that petroglyphs are fragile and irreplaceable cultural resources.
They are protected and all acts of vandalism are illegal and are punishable by up to 1 year in prison and/or a $20,000 fine.
Take only pictures, leave only footprints to help preserve these valuable archaeological treasures for future generations to enjoy.
