History of Browns Park

Remains from prehistoric settlement of the area that is now the Refuge have been found during cultural resource studies. The remains show that people were living within the current Refuge boundaries as early as 1500 B.C. Other peoples, including the Utes, Sioux, Navajo, and the Shoshoni tribes, wintered in the mild climate of Browns Park or traveled into this area on trading expeditions.

In 1837, Fort Davy Crockett was built on present Refuge property to serve as a trading post but was quickly abandoned when the trapping industry collapsed a few years later. Today, evidence of the early settlers and Native Americans can be found throughout the Refuge. Three historical sites including Lodore Hall (which still serves as a community center) and several old abandoned cabins and homesteads attest to the rich history of the area.