A History As Solid as Its Foundation

Once known as the "biggest and best" house in Manti, it took seven years to build the "Big House" for Cox and his four wives. It also functioned as one of Manti's social centers. Today it would easily qualify for the National and State Historic Register. Its oolite exterior was quarried from the same hill as the Manti Temple. When the Blackhawk War erupted in 1865, the home was protected within the walls of a nine-block area known as the Big Fort. Basement walls were thirty inches thick. Each wife had their own separate room with a fireplace and outside entrance. All levels combined, there were twelve rooms and five fireplaces.