The Nine Mile Road

The nine mile road was built by the all-black 9th U.S. Cavalry under the command of Major F. W. Benteen in 1886-87. With altitudes wless than 7400', it was considered "all season" and linked Fort Duchesne, Utah with the nearest railhead, Prive, Utah. Referred to in official army records as the "Nine Mile Road," it was named after the largest and most beautiful canyon through which it meanders. Rich in history and legend it has been proclaimed the greatest contribution the army made in the Uintah Basin. When the Unitah-Ouray Indian Reservation was opened to non-Indian settlement in 1905, this was the main route taken by over 15,000 homesteaders. It was traveled by such famous names as Roosevelt, Sheridan, Randlett, and Benjamin O. Davis Sr,. the first black to rise to the rank of General in the United States Armed Forces. Such infamous characters as Butch Cassity, Sundance Kid, and other members of the "Wild Bunch" also rode its path. For almost 35 years it was the route of the telegraph line and served the stage coach lines, freighters and the U.S. Mail. By 1920 the Nine Mile Road ceased to be the main artery into the Great Uintah Basin of Utah. Today the Nine Mile Road is considered one of Utah's richest historic landmarks.