Led by Mormon pioneers, in 1879-80, people constructed a wagon road for easy travel between communities in Southwest Utah to the Four Corners area. After spending some time on one of the harshest, rugged roads in Utah, they established a small community in San Juan area that they named Bluff City.

The first houses built were one room log cabins that were lined up next to each other to form a sort of fort for protection. Among the original structures that tourists will enjoy today is the Barton Cabin, which contains a well. This well is also known to be first water supply for the whole community during those days. The Barton cabin represents and shows the way of living which showcases, design, setting, workmanship, and many more.

Other parts of this open air museum are a reconstruction of what the original community has been. The site includes about 40 to 50 reconstructed cabins with doors and windows all facing the center. Furthermore additional structures were added like a meeting house, church, school and a community center.