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Show NPS Form 10-900a (Rev. 8/86) OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Page Section number 7, 8 Page 1 Elijah Cutler Behunin Cabin Wayne County, Utah Capitol Reef National Park MPS Description The Elijah Cutler Behunin Cabin is located in the north central portion of Capitol Reef National Park. It is just off the south side of Utah Route 24, roughly 6.5 miles east of the Visitor Center. The cabin is a single story, rectangular building measuring approximately 13 feet by 16.5 feet and is constructed of sandstone and wood. The cabin maintains integrity of location, setting, design, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association from the historic period. The single-room building is constructed of coursed sandstone covered with a thickly applied coat of wash. The low-pitched gabled roof consists of wood pose covered with wood sheathing and bentonite. A low sandstone chimney is located on the east elevation. The entry is centered in the north elevation. It consists of a rectangular opening with a wood lintel, a wood door frame, and a wood door. A single rectangular window opening, with wood lintel, sill, and frame, and a wood shutter, is located east of the entry. A small opening is located in the west gable end. The interior consists of a single room with a dirt floor. There is no ceiling. The Behunin Cabin, which was restored by the National Park Service in the late 1960s, is the most intact example of a nineteenth century settler's cabin extant in Capitol Reef National Park. The building is an excellent example of local vernacular masonry construction. Statement of Significance Elijah Cutler Behunin Cabin has local significance under National Register Criterion A for its association with early exploration and settlement. The cabin served as the residence of the Behunin family from 1883-1884. The period of significance corresponds to these dates. (NOTE: While the cabin most likely also qualifies for listing under criterion C, area of significance "architecture," no architectural context has been developed or included in the associated multiple property submission cover form. For this reason only crit. A is marked for this property; an amendment to the cover form would be required to list the property under crit. C.) This nomination is part of the "Capitol Reef National Park Multiple Property Submission." The Elijah Cutler Behunin Cabin is associated with the historic context "Mormon Settlement and Agriculture in the Area of Capitol Reef National Park, 1880-1946." The Behunin family lived in this cabin for only a brief period of time. They abandoned the site after one year because the nearby Fremont River flooded their fields and threatened the cabin itself. In 1893 the Behunins moved to Fruita, where both Elijah Cutler Behunin, and his son, Hyrum S., filed applications for homesteads.'By 1902 the elder Behunin had moved to Grover, west of Fruita. Elijah Cutler Behunin was responsible for the 1883 construction the Blue Dugway, the |
