Many of our ancestors left the countries where they were born to escape religious persecution. Several crossed the plains to settle in Utah. I recently discovered a park in Riverton, Utah that was established by the Daughters of the Pioneers http://isdup.org/ and the Sons of the Pioneers https://www.sup1847.com/.
The 24th of July, otherwise known as Pioneer Day, is a state holiday which commemorates the arrival of the Mormon Pioneers in Salt Lake Valley. They were forced out of Missouri in 1847 by Governor Lilburn Boggs. He had ordered the militia to exterminate them if necessary. They then settled in Nauvoo, Illinois and established a beautiful city out of marshland and built a temple there. Once again, they experience religious persecution and soon after the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith followed their new prophet, Brigham
Young, to a safe haven in the Rocky Mountains. Now thousands move to Utah every year.
My ancestors came from Denmark, Scotland, Sweden, England and elsewhere settling in the Salt Lake Valley. Many of them traveled along with the Mormon Pioneers. They gave up their homes and some of their family even lost their lives in order to escape religious persecution. Salt Lake City and many surrounding towns were developed by Mormon pioneers and their descendants. I feel very blessed to have such a rich heritage.
One of the towns settled by Mormon Pioneers was Riverton, Utah. The organizations, The Sons of the Pioneers and The Daughters of the Pioneers were instrumental in establishing a farm community. In 1886, with 233 members in thirty-five families, Riverton was organized as a ward with Orrin Porter Miller as its first bishop. Members met in a combination meetinghouse/schoolhouse which had been built in 1879. By 1900 there were 517 members (ninety-two families) and construction was begun on a new
meetinghouse. Completed in 1908, this domed structure in the Romanesque style was designed by Richard Kletting and was generally recognized as one of the finest LDS meetinghouses in a rural setting. It was demolished in 1940. They now have a replica of the first meetinghouse which can be used for meetings, weddings, etc. https://www.rivertonutah.gov/parks/locations/riverton-city-park.php
More history of Riverton https://www.rivertonutah.gov/
We currently live in South Jordan which is right nextdoor to Riverton. We recently visited the Riverton City Park. I was mesemerized by its beauty and charm. There is so much available for the community in the way of recreation including pickleball and tennis courts, playgrounds, pavilions, walkways, a rodeo stadium, and so much more. It is beautifully landscaped and includes a history of the park on plaques along the way.
My husband first learned of this wonderful historical and recreational site when some of his buddies took him to play pickleball. He was excited to show me all it had to offer. We took a walk around and I wanted to share it with others. The Riverton City Park has a great history and it is fabulous that it is still a gathering place.
Here are some more pictures of the park to enjoy.
May you and yours have a Happy Pioneer Day!!
