Sixty feet tall eighty-six feet long. That’s the This Is the Place Monument. It’s a giant. A granite giant. Standing proudly at the mouth of Emigration Canyon.
This isn’t just any monument. It’s a powerful symbol. It marks the spot where Brigham Young declared “This is the right place drive on”. That momentous declaration happened on July 24 1847. It was the culmination of a 1300-mile journey. A journey undertaken by the Mormon pioneers. Their arduous trek across plains and mountains ended here.
But the This Is the Place Monument tells more than just one story. It tells many. It honors not only the Mormon pioneers. It also remembers Spanish explorers. Think Dominguez-Escalante. They braved the wilderness in 1776. Trappers and traders came later. Names like William H Ashley and his Rocky Mountain Fur Company appear. Even the Donner Party’s harrowing journey is represented.
Look closely. You’ll see Brigham Young at the top. He’s with Heber C Kimball and Wilford Woodruff. Below them you’ll find figures from the vanguard expedition. These brave souls paved the way for the main company and the rear group.
The monument wasn’t always this grand. A much smaller obelisk marked the spot earlier. That was in 1921. It was replaced in 1947 for Utah’s centennial. Mahonri M Young Brigham Young’s grandson sculpted the current masterpiece. He worked for eight years at Weir Farm in Connecticut.
This isn’t just stone and bronze. It’s a testament to resilience faith and the human spirit. It’s a tribute to those who dared to dream and build a new life in a harsh land. It stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of the pioneers and all who followed them.
The This Is the Place Monument isn’t just a sight to behold. It’s a journey through time. A journey that connects us to the past and inspires us for the future. It’s a story of hope perseverance and the enduring spirit of the human heart. Take a moment to truly appreciate this remarkable monument. Let its grandeur inspire awe and reflection. Let its stories transport you back in time.