Beyond the edges of the civilized world, Fruita residents needed to be largely self-sufficient, so they had their own Blacksmith Shop. Founded at the very end of the 1870s, the small community of eight to 10 families remained until well into the 20th century one of the smallest, most isolated towns in America. That isolation translated into technological delays the first tractor was not introduced here until World War II. This late arrival of modern development meant that people had to make their own tools of every kind. On a visit to the small community, stop at the Gifford House for a trip back into history and a slice of homemade pie.

Wander through the remains of Fruita, which was in large part demolished when the last families left after the construction of Capitol Reef National Park. While wandering between the fruit trees, imagine the backbreaking labor done to set up such a thriving agricultural community under such arid conditions. Picture the sheer number of tools that had to be made: plows, pitchforks, axes, hoes and knives.

Stand in front of the blacksmith shop, whose open doors invite exploration. Numerous tools hang on the wall, near the old-fashioned tractor chassis and shovels. Notice the huge wood-burning oven used to heat metal to molten condition before casting it into the tools this isolated community needed to carve homes out of the desert.

Fruita is near the center of Capitol Reef National Park and the park’s Visitor Center. Drive from nearby Torrey in about 20 minutes, Moab in 2.5 hours or Provo in 3 hours. Parking is available in several areas in Fruita, which is friendly to pedestrians. Allow time to pick some of the apricots, apples, pears, cherries and grapes that gave the community its name.

Capitol Reef National Park is open 24 hours a day year-round. There is a developed campground at Fruita in addition to primitive camping sites elsewhere in the park. Pay the park entrance fee that allows access for up to a week or purchase an annual pass good at many other attractions across the country.