"This is the right place, move on."

Here in Utah, we celebrate Pioneer Day on July 24th--it is a state holiday. There is a big parade downtown, small parades all over the state, and fireworks galore. This is the day that commemorates the Pioneer arrival in the Salt Lake Valley in July of 1847.

My mother's ancestry is from the Southeastern part of the U.S. (her maiden name is Davis-- guess where my son got his name? Actually, we are related to Jefferson Davis (leader of the Confederate States-- what a pride, eh?) My Dad's ancestry, however, can be traced directly to the early Mormon Pioneers that crossed many grueling miles across plains of central United States and mountains to settle the western U.S.

In 1845, the beautiful settlement of Nauvoo, Illinois was experiencing difficulties. The Mormons had settled this swampy city and worked extremely hard to beautify the area-- to great success. The already existing surrounding settlements were resentful of the Mormon's success and disliked the huge influx of Mormon converts that had arrived in the city during preceding decade. Add the seemingly suspicious roots of the church-- Joseph Smith's testimony of golden plates (an ancient book written by the earlier inhabitants of the americas which was another testament of Christ) given to him by an angel, and people didn't have much respect for the Mormons-- well beyond the mainstream of traditional Christianity. They also disliked the fact that these new visitors voted as a block and were experiencing great financial success. The Mormons had previously been driven from their proserous settlements in Missouri and were now experiencing much animosity in Illinois. After Joseph Smith was marytred, the new leader of the church, Brigham Young, announced that it was time for the church members to settle far away, where they would be free to practice their religion in peace.

Opposition to the church had become so bad during the winter of 1845-46, Hundreds of Mormon homes were burned that winter in an effort to rid the territory of the Mormons. The extreme harrassment caused the peole to be driven from the city of Nauvoo during the bitter February of 1856. They crossed the huge Mississippi river on ice. The long trek across the cold plains of Iowa was grueling and cold-- many of the Mormons had left the city in such haste that they didn't have proper shoes, coats, or supplies. I marvel at their persistence. It was clear to Brigham Young that in order for his people to make the long exodus west, they would need to prepare better. During the summer and fall, the first group of pioneers worked to plant crops and shelter at Winter Quarters that could be used in the spring and a stop for the many people who would pass through. When things warmed up, the next spring, 1847, the first wagon train left. Most of the travelers could only bring one bucketful of supplies. They learned to be well organized and traveled in smaller groups and companies-- much like the military. They walked 10-15 miles every day, 6 days a week; on Sundays they rested. They suffered through wind and snow storms, dust from the wagon train, and extreme heat. All told, they traveled more than 600 miles. They traveled through Nebraska, Wyoming, and finally settled in the desert--Utah. During the next 20 years, the trails became the path of exodus for nearly 70,000 Pioneers. I honor their sacrifice and hard work.

This story is my legacy-- through my ancestry and because I am now a resident of Utah. When I was young, I didn't really think about how difficult the journey was and the sacrifices these people made. But as I've gotten older, I honor their commitment.

This year, my mom, little brother, the kids and I visited the "This is the Place Monument" at the mouth of Emigration Canyon which overlooks the city of Salt Lake. The view is AMAZING. It is said the when Brigham Young emerged from the canyon and took in the view of the valley he uttered these words, "This is the right place, move on." I think I would have said the same thing-- because I feel that way when I overlook the city. They have a monument there to honor the pioneers who died on the journey and it has become a historical landmark. Inside the heritage park, there is a VERY large pioneer city with repilicas of early pioneer homes, schools, churches, and such. On Pioneer Day, there were all sorts of guides dressed up in pioneer garb and told stories at the different landmarks about the way of life for the early settlers of the valley. It was a scorching hot day-- like 98 degrees and I was in awe that so many people lived and worked in such simple conditions. What hard workers!! I sure felt like a major wuss cause I was complaining about walking in the heat-- these people worked in it, and when they were done, they couldn't escape to a nice, air-conditioned home.

I took a few pictures, but my camera batteries died quick. Enjoy--and Happy Pioneer Day! Go PIONEERS!!!

Grandma helps Eliza walk on stilts.

Davis, Eliza and Uncle Chris pose with a young lady dressed as a pioneer in the theatre/church/school (multipurpose building)

Davis poses on the small, model train

Eliza poses in a small "play" cabin

"What's for Dinner?" "Corn."