Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Mormon Temple in Manti, Utah is one of the most prominent landmarks and symbols of the MPNHA

The Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area (MPNHA) is a special place in the United States. It was created by the government to remember and celebrate the amazing journey of the Mormon pioneers. These pioneers traveled west and helped settle Utah and other parts of the American West.

The MPNHA covers a huge area, about 400 miles long. It follows along major roads like U.S. Highway 89, Utah State Route 24, and Utah State Route 12. This area has five different sections, each with its own unique history and important places to see.

The main goal of the MPNHA is to protect and share Utah's pioneer history. It also works to bring more visitors, help local towns grow, offer fun learning chances, and make life better for people living there. This heritage area focuses on how people interacted with the land, with each other, and with the groups they formed.

It's the only National Heritage Area named after a specific group of people: the Mormon Pioneers. It gives us a great look at how the Mormons settled in the United States. Congress recognized that their efforts were important in the settling and growth of the western U.S.

How the Heritage Area Started

The MPNHA was created thanks to a law introduced by former Utah Senator Bob Bennett. He wanted to protect "the rich heritage and tremendous achievements of the Mormon Pioneers." A "senator" is a person elected to represent their state in the U.S. government.

His idea for the law was approved by "Congress" in July 2006. Congress is the part of the U.S. government that makes laws. Then, President George W. Bush signed it into law in October of the same year. A "president" is the leader of a country.

In 2010, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior approved a plan to manage the area. This plan has provided money for projects to fix up and improve historical sites in the heritage area.

Exciting Projects and Programs

The MPNHA works with local travel groups to achieve its goals. They want to preserve the history of both the early Mormon Pioneers and other groups. This includes Native American tribes like the Piute and Ute, showing the rich mix of cultures in the area.

The heritage area also creates a TV show called Discovery Road. This show teaches people about the history and beauty of the area. You can watch it on several Utah TV stations, including the Utah Educational Network.

Since 2019, the MPNHA has teamed up with Story Road Utah. This is a mobile app that acts like your own personal tour guide. It helps you discover all the cool, hidden spots within the MPNHA.

Exploring the Districts

The MPNHA is made up of five unique districts. Each one offers something special to explore:

Boulder Loop

The Boulder Loop district is very scenic. It includes famous places like Bryce Canyon National Park, which has amazing rock formations. It also features the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument and Anasazi State Park, where you can learn about ancient cultures.

Headwaters

The Headwaters district covers Garfield, Piute, and Wayne Counties. It's a great place for fishing and exploring history. This area was even the childhood home of the famous outlaw Butch Cassidy!

Little Denmark

Little Denmark is in Sanpete County. This district explores the area's Scandinavian heritage, as many people from Scandinavia settled here. It also has the historic Manti Utah Temple. The annual Mormon Miracle Pageant was held here until 2019.

Sevier Valley

The Sevier Valley district takes you back to the days of the old west. You'll find families of ranchers and cowboys here. They have worked their family lands for many generations.

Under the Rim

Finally, the Under the Rim district is in Kane County. It is home to the incredible Zion National Park. This park attracts millions of visitors every year who come to see its towering cliffs and deep canyons.