Does Utah history spark your curiosity? This is the ATC Monument Stele. It is a physical reminder of Utah’s story.
Monuments across Utah often mark life after the pioneers settled here in 1847. These monuments often show the settlers’ views. The ATC Monument Stele is one of many historical markers and monuments across the state. These markers can be found from Salt Lake City to other parts of Utah.
The state has a website for historical markers and monuments. It is the largest online upgrade in two decades. You can search for places of history. You can search for a specific marker. Search within a general area. Or search for markers of specific events like historic sites or war memorials.
Jedediah Rogers is a senior state historian for the Utah Division of State History. He said people become interested in history when they see it in their communities. This can be through historical buildings. Or even a roadside marker.
The database has over 1,500 history markers and monuments. You can find the marker and its location. Also, you can see when it was placed. You can learn about the commemoration circumstances. Sometimes you can even see an image of the monument. The website is still adding the text of every monument.
Most of the online information is from the 1990s. The state asked the division to create an inventory of Utah’s historical markers. This was to be a tourism tool. A statewide survey was completed in 1996. The state historians are reaching out to historical groups. They want to create a larger updated inventory of markers.
Recently, there have been talks about what history should be memorialized. Some Confederate monuments have been removed. Also, statues of Christopher Columbus have been removed.
In Utah, the Division of State History reviews historical markers. But it usually does not place them. Most monuments were created by private groups.
Newer groups are working to fill gaps in history. They focus on marginalized people in Utah. For example, Better Days 2020 unveiled a memorial. It is across the street from the Utah Capitol. It commemorates the fight for suffrage equality in Utah.
Rogers hopes the website will inspire people. He wants them to figure out what people or events need a physical reminder. He also said that good work is already taking place.
The ATC Monument Stele and others help us remember Utah’s past. They also inspire us to think about what stories we want to tell in the future.