Brigham Young Historic Park honors the legacy of the man who served as the second President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) but also has an important place in the history of Utah. The virtues and traditions that he stood for defined his leadership and influenced his impact on history, all of which are directly reflected in the experiences that audiences can have at Brigham Young Historic Park in Salt Lake City, Utah. However, this legacy isn’t the only thing that audiences in the present can engage with.
Land that was Originally Owned by Brigham Young
Located directly east of Temple Square, Brigham Young Historic Park honors Young’s roles as a pioneer, governor and religious leader. He led the Mormon pioneers on the journey from Illinois to the Salt Lake Valley that would see him become one of the most influential leaders of the organization, enabling his traditions of family care and wise management to be embraced by his follower and subsequent generations.
Built on land that was originally owned by Young, Brigham Young Historic Park contains a rebuilt portion of cobblestone wall that once marked his property. On this property were farm barns and sheds, animals, orchards, and vegetable gardens. Numerous monuments within the park are directly connected to this history and to Young’s legacy.
A recreated waterwheel is still powered by the flow of City Creek, just as the first one was in 1847. Pioneers quarried stone for use in homes, buildings and the Salt Lake Temple’s foundation. Daily work in the garden was an integral part of pioneer life. Large and small landmarks that are featured throughout the park directly connect to all of these elements. All of these pieces honor Young’s tradition of care and management that were a key part of his legacy. These same principles are still honored by the LDS Church leaders but they’re not the only thing audiences can experience in the park.
Brigham Young Historic Park features a stage on the north side of the lawn. In the summer months, evening concerts featuring local and internationally known musicians are held and are free of charge to the public. Additionally, Wednesday evening talks on various subjects are given during those same months.
These activities in the present take place amidst landmarks that honor the past, showcasing how what might otherwise be an ordinary greenspace or a static piece of history can instead be cultivated to allow audiences to experience so much more.
Legacy from the Past Meets Activities in the Present
The frequent events and gatherings that take place on a regular basis at Brigham Young Historic Park show the many different ways that audiences can enjoy the park. Anyone that simply wants to relax in the greenspace or an organized event can do so, but the history that permeates the space and is personified in numerous landmarks highlights how much more is available for audiences to experience.
