“Clearing the Haulway” The Miners and Their Lasting Legacy
This sculpture memorializes our solemn gratitude and respect for the miners of Sweetwater County. In sacrificing their blood, sweat, and tears – and sometimes even their lives – they have built a better future for themselves and for their families whose silent, anxious prayers await their safe return home after each long shift.
While this statue honors those miners who have died in Sweetwater County it also celebrates their proud tradition and lasting legacy that still exists in the coal and trona mines today. Their lasting legacy to us is a thriving, dynamic community, bright with opportunity and promise. May our own legacy uphold the enduring, noble tradition of… “The Miners.”
Crystal, a sculpture by Jeannine Young To honor the fathers of Springville past, present, and future. 1997. Located in front of 160 South Main Street in Springville, Utah
Helen Jane Wiser Stewart April 16, 1854 – March 16, 1926 “The First Lady of Las Vegas”
“It will only be for two years,” Archibald promised his wife Helen in 1882, coaxing her away from civilized Pioche, Nevada to a ranch in the middle of the desert. Two years later, Helen buried Archibald after he lost his life in a gun fight at the nearby Kiel Ranch. Helen stepped out of her traditional role as wife, mother, and homemaker, to take over the “Los Vegas Rancho.” Helen never looked back. She expanded the ranch to nearly 2000 acres, and became one of the largest property owners in the Las Vegas valley. Helen sold 1835 acres of her property to the San Pedro, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake Railroad in 1902 for $55,000. She kept some land for herself and donated 10 acres to the local Paiute Tribe. Helen was indeed a woman of “Firsts” – first postmaster in the valley – first woman in Las Vegas to serve on a jury – first woman to serve on the Clark County school board. As a founding member of the local Christ Episcopal Church and the Mesquite Club, and a Red Cross activist, Helen shaped early Las Vegas into a vibrant community. Local leaders shut down the city of Las Vegas during Helen’s funeral in honor of her pioneering spirit.
Generous support for the statue in thanks to Las Vegas Centennial Commission Friends of the fort Southern Nevada Women’s History Project Nevada State Parks
Chief Sanpitch (often mispronounced as “Sanpete”), is more than just the county’s namesake. It is paramount that we are reminded of this land’s first stewards. When Mormon immigrants arrived in the central valley of what is now Sanpete County, Chief Sanpitch was the leader of the Native American band of Utes called the “Sanpits.” While there are undeniable depredations on both sides of our history, Chief Sanpitch deserves recognition for the periodic peace in the region amidst major changes and hostilities to his ancestral lands. The few words recorded from him suggest that he promoted peace and coexistence between settlers and natives.
During the Black Hawk war, In the Spring of 1865, as a ploy to get Black Hawk to bargain, the Mormon leader, Brigham Young, had Sanpitch incarcerated along with other tribal chiefs in the Manti jail. A few chiefs were able to escape, including Sanpitch, who was shot and wounded. He was later found by a local posse near Fountain Green where he sat alone, defenseless atop a boulder near Birch Creek Canyon. It is said that he pleaded for his life but was killed regardless. Today, it is hoped that visitors will find empathy and meaning in the chief’s life and legacy.
Before eventually succumbing to pressure to move his people to a reservation, Sanpitch is recorded as stating, “This is my land. I shall stay here on this land till I get ready to go away, and then I shall go to the Snakes or somewhere else [and not to the reservation.]” (Utah’s Black Hawk War, p.155). Sanpitch died in the place of his birth as a chief who advocated peace for his land and people.
The Artist
Before creating this monument, local artist, Brad Taggart, went to great efforts to gain the support of the Ute Tribal Council concerning the statue’s placement and appearance. He has taken care to study the historical standing of Chief Sanpitch, his garb, and likely features. Sanpitch is posed in a calming gesture, with his free hand moving away from his tomahawk, as if asking for peace and civility. He sits atop a replica of the boulder that still stands today in Fountain Green, as a reminder of his life.
Sponsored by: Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area (MPNHA) The North Sanpete Arts Council (NSAC) Utah Division of Arts and Museums Mount Pleasant City Special Thanks to: Ute Tribal Council Monte and Jackie Bona Horseshoe Mountain Hardware Clint and Chet Hacking Altaview Concrete Round Hills Rock J.W. Hauling
