About
This is the Place Heritage Park
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History of Utah at
This Is The Place Heritage Park
History Celebrated
This Is The Place Heritage Park honors the people who established the early foundations of Utah. From Native peoples, to trappers and traders, to Catholic missionaries, to Mormon pioneer immigrants, many cultures have been stewards of this land and built lives the Park acknowledges and celebrates. Learn more about these important figures in Utah history at This Is The Park Monument, a landmark crafted to commemorate their contributions to Utah’s heritage.
A Place of Religious Asylum
The 1847 arrival of Mormon pioneer immigrants in the Great Salt Lake valley signaled the beginning of American relocation beyond the mighty Mississippi. It is an important chapter in the settling of western America.
The Mormon pioneer story began in New York State in 1830 when The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized. The church grew rapidly over the next 15 years, including major settlements in Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois.
Persecution followed church members wherever they attempted to establish themselves, and in February 1846, the community decided to seek religious freedom in the uncivilized lands of the Rocky Mountains—a western trek of over 1,000 miles.
“The Mormon exodus to the Rocky Mountains began on February 4, 1846...Fleeing enemies, these refugees crossed the Mississippi River with their wagons on flatboats, except for a few days when they crossed on ice...Seeking freedom to worship God as they believed, more than 50,000 Mormon pioneers, mostly with ox-drawn wagons or handcarts, crossed the plains to the Rocky Mountains before the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad May 10, 1869.” (Exodus to Greatness historical marker; Nauvoo, Illinois)
Awaken the Pioneer Within
On July 24, 1847 the first company of Mormon pioneers reached the mouth of Emigration Canyon to view the valley of the Great Salt Lake for the first time. From his sick bed in a carriage, church and journey leader Brigham Young raised himself on his elbow and gazed intently to the west. After several minutes, he remarked: “It is enough. This is the right place. Drive on.” The area near where Brigham Young made his pronouncement is now the location of This Is The Place Monument, the centerpiece of This Is The Place Heritage Park.
For nearly a century, this state park has maintained a mission to preserve and celebrate the heritage and people of Pioneer Utah. From engagers to monuments to curated experiences, This Is The Place Heritage Park encourages you to connect with pioneer heritage and discover the courage, faith, and commitment you bring to the world today.
This is the Place
Culture & Heritage
Visit the Native American Village, which celebrates heritage before the arrival of the settlers. Authentic Navajo Hogan's and Shoshone teepees stand in a quiet circle on the hillside. Grind corn and make arrowhead necklaces. And don't miss the Native American dancers, a crowd favorite!
Interact with a blacksmith, tinsmith, and saddle maker and try your hand at some old-fashioned pioneer chores, or at spinning and carding wool. And there's endless old-fashioned fun from the bucket brigade to the Candy Cannon that shoots salt-water taffy during special events. The streets are alive with a variety of musical performers, and be on the lookout for a train robbery!