Location:
Salt Lake County
Warm Springs Park
840 North 300 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84103
GPS Coordinates:
Latitude: 40.787987
Longitude: -111.899544
Historical Significance:
Fur trappers and traders were the often the first explorers to a region. James Bridger discovered the Great Salt Lake in 1824 and trapped the streams of this region for many years. Etienne Provost guided many expeditions into Utah valleys, and established trading posts along the shores of the Great Salt Lake and Utah lake. Jedediah S. Smith made several significant journeys through Utah and publicized South Pass in Wyoming over which thousands of immigrants would later travel.
The dedication of the monument took place on the 100th Anniversary of the arrival of these honored men to the Territory of Utah in August 1826. The explorations of the fur trappers and traders began in Cache Valley and extended to the Salt Lake Valley which was rich in fur-bearing animals. This monument was originally placed in front of the St. Marks Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. Warm Springs Park in Salt Lake City, Utah, is the current monument location.
Historical Designations:
- State/County: State Historical Commission
- Local: City Landmark
Historic Marker:
- Marker Date: August 1926
- State of Marker Organization: Utah
- Marker Organization: Spirit of Liberty Chapter, NSDAR
- Marker Text:
(DAR Insignia); Fur trappers and traders; were the first white men in this locality; William M. Ashley and men arrived in the spring; of 1829.; The principal leaders were; James Bridger-Etienne Provost; Jedediah S. Smith; James Bridger, discoverer of the Great Salt Lake; in 1824, trapped the streams of this region in; 1824 and many subsequent years.; Jedediah S. Smith with Harrison G. Rogers; and fur party passes near here in August 1926.; Moving southwesterly to the pacific; placed in tribute to the personnel of that; gallant enterprise.; Erected August, 1926; Spirit of Liberty Chapter; Daughters of the American Revolution
Funding:
Monument and grounds are currently maintained by the Salt Lake City Public Lands Department.
Physical Condition:
- Property - Preserve
Tourism:
- Open to Public: Yes
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Hours/Days: 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Daily; Public Park
- Admission Fees: Free
- Lodging: No
Acknowledgement (What are the Daughters doing with the property today?):
Ongoing care and condition assessment of this monument is monitored by the Sego Lily Chapter, NSDAR, and the Utah State Society Daughters of the American Revolution Historic Preservation Chair. Awareness of the monument has increased since its inclusion in the 2020 publication Utah State Society Daughters of the American Revolution Monuments - Markers and Histories. Daughters who live and work in the area frequent the site.
Other Images
