pioneer stories

By Brian Webster

In the spring of 1847, Mormon pioneers left their homes in Illinois and Missouri traveled to the Salt Lake Valley in Utah—though, then, the territory was part of Mexico. They faced many hardships on their journey. However, they persevered and eventually established a new home—our home—in Utah.

The first Mormon pioneer company was led by Brigham Young personally and consisted of 148 people. Young had been appointed president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1844 and believed that the Mormons needed to find a new place to live where they could practice their religion freely. He chose the Salt Lake Valley because it was remote and uninhabited. The pioneers traveled about 1,000 miles by wagon to reach the Salt Lake Valley.

The Mormon pioneers traveled west in a series of wagon trains. Each wagon train was made up of about 50 families. The journey took about 111 days. The pioneers packed their wagons with food, clothing, and other supplies. They also brought their livestock, including oxen, horses, and mules.

The journey across the country was long and difficult. The pioneers faced many challenges, including:

Harsh weather

The pioneers traveled during the summer when the weather was hot and dry. They also had to cross mountains and rivers, which was difficult and dangerous.

Disease

The pioneers were exposed to diseases such as cholera and dysentery. Many people died along the way.

Attacks by Native Americans

The pioneers were attacked by Native Americans on several occasions. Some people were killed or wounded.

Despite the hardships, the Mormon pioneers persevered. In the Salt Lake Valley, they immediately began to build homes and establish a new community. In fact, my great-great-grandpa, Perry Fitzgerald, was one of the scouts ahead of the main camp in July 1847. He entered the Salt Lake Valley on July 21st (a few days ahead of the company). Perry was one of the first families to settle the Draper area. The first log home he built in about 1851 is still standing as a monument in Draper Park. Additionally, the brick and plaster home he built in about 1870 (likely the oldest surviving brick home in Draper) is listed in the National Registry and remained in the family until 1999, when it was sold to the City. It is currently used by the Draper Chamber of Commerce. Though sidewalks have been added and the grounds updated, the home itself is in amazing condition and only needed minor renovation to maintain its original charm!

The area where SunRiver and Desert Color are now, was originally known as Atkinville. The area was settled by the William Atkin family in 1861. The area was primarily a farming community where cotton, wheat and corn were grown. It was also home to a sawmill, gristmill and a merc store. Atkinville was a popular place for recreation, being just outside of the main St George area. There were a number of swimming holes, fishing spots and hiking trails. The outpost was a thriving community for 100 years and had a population over 1000 at its peak. Ultimately, though, with a change in agricultural practices and lack of economic opportunities, through the mid1900s, the settlement was abandoned in the 1970s.

After further exploration of their surroundings, the Utah pioneers settled the St George area in 1861. Mary and Edward Bunker were among the first Mormon pioneers to settle the St. George area. They arrived in 1861 with their five children. The Bunkers were poor, but they were determined to make a new life for themselves in the desert. They built a small cabin and began to farm the land. They also worked hard to build a community. Mary Bunker was a midwife and a nurse, and she helped to care for the sick and injured. Edward Bunker was a carpenter and a blacksmith, and he helped to build the first schoolhouse and the first meetinghouse in St. George. The Bunkers were an inspiration to the other pioneers, and they helped to lay the foundation for the city of St. George.

The area around St. George was originally inhabited by the Paiute and Southern Ute tribes. The first European-Americans to visit the area were the Dominguez-Escalante expedition in 1776. In 1861, the harsh climate, lack of resources, and conflict with the Native Americans all proved challenging for the 19th century settlement. However, the community thrived. Most of the early settlers were Mormons, but the area also attracted other pioneers. The population of St. George grew to 2,000 people by 1870. And the population reached 10,000 around the year 1900. From there, it took 110 years (2010) to reach a population of 100,000. And now, in just 13 years, we’re knocking on the door of 200,000!!

No doubt, the early Utah pioneers faced many challenges. But they never gave up. I believe their story is a testament to the power of faith and the human spirit! Here’s to a meaningful and memorable Independence Day and Pioneer Day for All!