Marker to recognize early Utahns

Emigration Canyon is well-known as the route Mormon pioneers followed into the Salt Lake Valley, but a monument to be placed at the canyon mouth aims to recognize the history of all those whose lives intersected there.

The narrow east-side canyon played a significant role in the sustenance of American Indians and the westward migration of tens of thousands of people.

"We have tried very hard to make this a project not just about the Mormons but all those who passed through the canyon," said Stan Fishler, Emigration Canyon Historical Society chairman.

Fishler and Rob Race, monument director for the Sugar House chapter of the Sons of Utah Pioneers, spent the past six years researching, designing and raising money for the marker.

"I don't want to get into a situation where it is a religious monument. It is not," Race said.

The stone pillar is planned for a triangular island at the intersection of Sunnyside Avenue and Crestview Drive. Salt Lake City currently is expanding adjacent Rotary Glen and intends to close off Crestview as it curves eastbound up the canyon. The marker will sit at corner of the park.

To date, Race and Fishler have raised $14,000, which they said is enough to complete the monument. They said they could use another $5,000 for additional design elements. They're also looking for volunteers to help build it.

"In the city, we feel like it's pretty much a go," said Dell Cook, city landscape project manager.

The local community council still must approve the project, and the city intends to review language on the monument.

"It's in a public place," Cook said. "History is history. But it can't be inflammatory to any group."

The monument will be 18 feet tall and 12 feet square at the base with a 6-foot-square capped top. Plans call for the corners to be made of indigenous Emigration Canyon red sandstone. A bronze eagle with an 11 1/2-foot wingspan overlooking the valley will be perched on the capstone. The wings will be highly polished to reflect the setting sun.

Bronze bas reliefs surrounded by round river rock will adorn the four sides depicting American Indians, explorers, trappers, the Donner Party, Mormon pioneers, 49ers, homesteaders, farmers and others who had a presence in the canyon. Renowned sculptor Stan Watts is doing the bronze work.

A bust of Ute Indian Chief Wakara will be prominently displayed on the west-facing side. The Utes considered the canyon sacred and used it as a summer home and to gather food for winter.

Sommers Masonry is slated to construct the pillar in July. A dedication ceremony is planned for August.

Race estimates that as many as 2.4 million people a year will see the monument as they drive Emigration Canyon or visit nearby Hogle Zoo and This Is the Place Heritage Park.

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E-mail: romboy@desnews.com