Historic Schoolhouse in Fruita, Utah
The historic district of Fruita, Utah, is now located in the heart of Capitol Reef National Park. The area was settled by a small number of families who farmed and grew fruit trees. This one-roomed schoolhouse was built in 1900. It was upgraded in the 1930s to have a better roof and plastered walls. The original school was built to accommodate children from the few families who lived in Fruita. 14 year old Nettie Behunin was the teacher, and became the first salaried teacher there years later at the age of 22. Her father donated the land for the school.
Another side of the schoolhouse
As you travel through Capitol Reef National Park on Highway 24, you will see the turnout for this schoolhouse. Parking is limited in the dirt lot, but it is worth it to stop and peek in the schoolroom windows.
Interior of the one-room schoolhouse
The park service has taken care to fill the interior of this small school with desks, slates, ink wells, and a stove for heat. It exudes turn of the century charm. I enjoyed taking a few minutes to imagine the children who lived in this little valley and attended this school. The school remained in use until 1942.
Carvings on a rock near the school.
The National Park Service has written a nice history of this school house. This was a worthwhile stop on our drive through Capitol Reef.
See more of our Capitol Reef adventures here:
I have to admit, I wouldn't want to go to school somewhere so tiny, but I suppose the kids didn't know any different. Can't beat the scenery though!
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