This Is the Place Heritage Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids This Is the Place Heritage Park |
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This Is The Place Monument and Deseret Village
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| Type | State park |
| Location | Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S. |
| Area | 450 acres (1.8 km2) |
| Established | 1957 |
| Owned by | Government of Utah |
| Status | Active |
This Is the Place Heritage Park is a special state park in Salt Lake City, Utah. It sits at the base of the Wasatch Range mountains. The park is near the entrance of Emigration Canyon. A non-profit group helps manage this important historical site.
Contents
The Story of "This Is the Place"
Pioneers Find a New Home
The park marks a very important spot in Utah's history. On July 24, 1847, a leader named Brigham Young first saw the Salt Lake Valley from here. This valley would soon become the new home for many Mormon pioneers. These pioneers were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were looking for a safe place to live.
Brigham Young's Vision
People believe Brigham Young had a special vision. In this vision, he saw the perfect place for his people to settle. He imagined them making the desert bloom with life. He also saw them building their own community, which they called the State of Deseret.
A Famous Quote is Born
The story says Young was very sick during the journey. He was riding in a wagon. When they came out of Emigration Canyon, he asked to see the valley. His companions helped him look out. He saw the wide, empty desert below. Then he famously said, "It is enough. This is the right place. Drive on." These words, "this is the place," quickly spread through the wagon train. The pioneers knew their long journey was finally over.
Celebrating Pioneer Day
For many years after, thousands of pioneers came through Emigration Canyon. They all saw their new home from this same spot. Today, Utah celebrates Pioneer Day every year on July 24. This holiday remembers when the pioneers first arrived in the valley.
The Monument: A Tribute to History
Building a Landmark
In 1917, a group of Boy Scouts and their leader, B. H. Roberts, built a wooden marker. It showed where Brigham Young's group first entered the valley. In 1921, a white stone obelisk replaced this marker. This stone monument still stands today.
A Grand Memorial
Work on a much larger monument began in 1937. A sculptor named Mahonri M. Young was chosen to design it. He was Brigham Young's grandson. In 1947, the new "This Is The Place Monument" was officially opened. Nearly 50,000 people came to the ceremony. This was 100 years after the pioneers first entered the valley.
Becoming a State Park
In 1957, some private citizens bought much of the land around the monument. They gave it to the State of Utah. This was to protect it from being built on for businesses. The state's Parks and Recreation Division now takes care of the park.
Heritage Village: Step Back in Time
Creating a Living Museum
The park started to grow into a village around 1959. A small visitors' center was built near the monument. It had a big painting by local artist Lynn Fausett. People loved visiting. In 1971, the state decided to plan a "living history museum." This kind of museum lets you experience history as if you were there.
Growing the Village
The park expanded to cover 450 acres. In 1975, work began to bring old buildings from Utah's past to the park. Some buildings were restored, and others were rebuilt to look like the originals. Brigham Young's old farmhouse was moved here in 1975.
More Historic Buildings Arrive
In 1979, five original pioneer homes were given to the park and fixed up. A small outdoor gathering place was also built. The 1980s saw more additions. These included a copy of the original Social Hall from Salt Lake City. Two adobe homes, two frame homes, and one log cabin were also moved to the park. A blacksmith shop was completed too.
Big Expansion in the 1990s
From 1992 to 1995, the park grew a lot. A Manti Z.C.M.I store was taken apart and rebuilt in the park. A pioneer dugout home was also constructed. Fifteen other replica buildings were made. The Hickman Cabin was moved from Fairview. In 1996, the park was officially named This Is The Place State Park.
New Buildings and Fun Activities
From 2000 to 2004, even more was added. A large parking area and a plaza were built. Other new buildings included the Cedar City Tithing Office and the Snelgrove Boot Shop. Homes for John Pack and William Atkin were added. A replica of the Brigham Young Academy (BYA) was built. This school later became Brigham Young University. The Heber C. Kimball home, P.W. Madsen Furniture Company, and the Deseret Hospital were also constructed.
Fun for Everyone Today
Today, the park focuses on fun activities and making history easy to explore. Two replica trains help visitors get around and add to the fun. The Staker Cabin tinsmith shop was added, showing an old trade. The Emery County Cabin was also brought in. Displays about Native American history were created. You can also visit the Monument Café, a Pioneer Playground, and a Petting Corral.
Learning About Water
A special splash pad called Irrigation Station was added. It helps teach visitors about how Utah uses water.
New Leadership for the Park
In 2025, Case Lawrence became the Executive Director and Chairman of the park. He took over from Ellis Ivory, who led the park for 19 years.
See also
- Mormon Battalion
- Mormon handcart pioneers
- Mormon Trail
- Pioneer Village (Utah)
- Utah...This Is The Place
