Issue 30.15
On July 24th, we will again be celebrating Pioneer Day in Utah. It is usually marked with a parade, fireworks, rodeos, and celebrations. It is primarily a Utah holiday and rightly so. That is the day, in 1847, that the first Utah pioneer forefathers drove their covered wagons down into the Salt Lake Valley after the thousand mile trek across the dusty plains.
Religious persecution had driven them out of Illinois. They came to Utah, not a part of the United States at the time, looking for peace and safety from the intolerance of others. The nation had recently instituted a constitution that guaranteed religious freedom, but that wasn’t working very well.
Each year around this celebration day, we hear talks of pioneers and those who suffered trials to help us enjoy the pleasures and beauty of the state of Utah. We stop and think about the many things they had to do. One of my ancestors, William Carter, was in the scout party and they hurried to see who could plow the first plot of ground. Two others broke their plows, but William, who was familiar with irrigation, used the now City Creek to wet the land first, and then was successful in plowing the first half acre of ground. After that day, he was affectionately known as the first plowman in Utah. It was a difficult time for them as they had to build shelters to protect their families from the elements. The hurry to plow was because they had to plant crops late that summer in hopes they could grow food to get them through the coming winter.
There wasn’t an option of running to Harmon’s or Wal-Mart if the corn didn’t mature. It was survival. It is hard to imagine life without electricity, and the many conveniences we now enjoy. Thank goodness they came, and started settling the Salt Lake Valley. Each time I drive from St. George to Salt Lake City, I think of the pioneers who traveled the opposite direction in covered wagons. I wonder if they look at me going 80 miles an hour and smile and think, at least she is working on the family history!
For more information, contact Shanna Jones shannasjones@msn.com