This Is the Place Heritage Park facts for kids
This is the Place Heritage Park is a special Utah State Park located in Salt Lake City, Utah. It sits at the base of the Wasatch Range mountains, right near the entrance to Emigration Canyon. This park is managed by a non-profit group that helps keep history alive. It's a place where you can step back in time and learn about the early pioneers of Utah.
A Historic Arrival
The park is built on a very important spot. On July 24, 1847, a leader named Brigham Young first saw the Salt Lake Valley from here. This valley soon became the new home for the Mormon pioneers. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe Brigham Young had a special vision. This vision came after they had to leave their home in Nauvoo, Illinois.
In his vision, he saw the exact place where the Latter-day Saints would settle. He knew they would "make the desert blossom like a rose" and build their new community. Brigham Young was very sick at the time, riding in the back of a wagon. When they came out of Emigration Canyon and reached a small hill, he asked to see outside. People helped him sit up so he could look at the empty valley below. He then 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. Over the next few years, thousands more pioneers arrived. They all saw their new home from this same spot. Every year on July 24, Utah celebrates Pioneer Day. This holiday remembers when the pioneers first entered the valley.
The Monument's Story
In 1917, a man named B. H. Roberts and a group of Boy Scouts built a wooden marker here. It showed the exact spot where Brigham Young's group first entered the valley. In 1921, a white stone obelisk (a tall, thin monument) replaced the wooden marker. This stone monument still stands today.
Work on a much larger monument began in 1937. A sculptor named Mahonri M. Young, who was Brigham Young's grandson, designed it. In 1947, exactly 100 years after the pioneers arrived, the "This Is The Place Monument" was dedicated. Nearly 50,000 people came to the special ceremony.
In 1957, some private citizens bought much of the land that is now the park. They gave it to the State of Utah. This helped protect the land from being used for businesses. The state's Parks and Recreation Division now takes care of the property.
Exploring Heritage Village
The Heritage Village part of the park started around 1959. A small visitors' center was built near the Monument. It had a big painting by a local artist named Lynn Fausett. Many people visited, which showed how popular the monument was.
In 1971, the state decided to create a "living history museum" here. This means a place where you can see how people lived in the past. The park grew to include about 450 acres (1.8 square kilometers). In 1975, they started moving or rebuilding historic buildings from Utah's past.
For example, Brigham Young's Forest Farmhouse was moved to the park in 1975. In 1979, five original pioneer homes were given to the park and fixed up. A small bowery (a shaded area) was also built. In the 1980s, a copy of the old Social Hall from downtown Salt Lake City was added. Two adobe homes, two wooden homes, and one log cabin were also moved here. A blacksmith shop, where people made things from metal, was completed too.
From 1992 to 1995, the park expanded a lot. A store from Manti called Z.C.M.I. was taken apart and rebuilt in the park. A pioneer dugout home (a simple home built partly underground) was also constructed. Fifteen new replica buildings were put up, and the Hickman Cabin was moved from Fairview. In 1996, the park was officially named "This Is The Place State Park." In 1998, a private, non-profit group called the "This Is The Place Foundation" took over managing the park.
From 2000 to 2004, even more was built. A large parking area and a plaza were added. Other buildings completed included the Cedar City Tithing Office and the Snelgrove Boot Shop. Homes like the John Pack home and William Atkin home were also added. A copy of the Brigham Young Academy (BYA), which later became Brigham Young University, was built. The Heber C. Kimball home, P.W. Madsen Furniture Company, and the Deseret Hospital were also constructed.
In 2006, the park's management changed. They decided to focus on adding more activities and making the park easier to visit. Two replica trains were brought in for rides and fun. A new logo was created, and all the park's printed materials were updated. In 2007, the Lelegren Tinsmith Shop was added, showing a new historic trade. The Emery County Cabin was also added, along with displays about Native American culture. A Monument Café, a new Pioneer Playground, and a Petting Corral were opened for visitors to enjoy.
The park also added a splash pad called Irrigation Station. This fun area helps teach visitors about how important water is in Utah.
