The Behunin cabin is a great example of what early settlers in Southern Utah lived in. The cabin, built by Elijah Cutler Behunin Cabin in 1883-1884 was renovated in the 1960's by the National Park Service to preserve it for future generations. The cabin was only lived in for a year before the Behunin family moved to Fruita, but illustrates the simplicity of a settlers home, and the resourcefulness of settlers to make do with what was available. The cabin is made with sandstone and cement plaster walls, and a wood and clay roof. It is humbling by today's standards to imagine a single person living in a 13 x 16.5 foot home (215 sq. ft.), let alone a family.

From the NPS information sign:

In 1882 Elijah Cutler Behunin and his family built this cabin, and stayed a brief time until the rising river washed out their crops. Behunin was one of the first settler in the area.

A family of ten lived here. Braided rugs covered the dirt floor. Ends of dress materials became curtains. There was a fireplace to cook in, and a water supply near the door. The family probably ate outside.

Father, mother, and two smallest children slept in the cabin. The post bed almost filled one side of the room. By widening a dugout in the cliff, the older boys had a place to sleep. The girls made a bed in an old wagon box.

Maps