Pioneer Era 1847 to 1869

Imagine traveling across the plains and mountains in a wagon pulled by oxen or horses.  We can’t really.  Nowadays a car trip of a few hundred miles requires movies and games on electronic tablets for children (preferably with headphones), lots of snacks, and stops along the way for clean bathrooms and fresh drinks. Those several hours on highways in heated or air-conditioned vehicles seem so difficult.

Compare that travel to the pioneer ancestors’ trek to this area.  Wagons were bumpy and uncomfortable—as cold or hot as the outside temperature—pulled by animals that had to be harnessed each morning and tended each night.  Someone drove the animals who pulled the wagons, but most had to walk alongside to save weight.  Meals were simple, restrooms were behind bushes along the way, and youngsters had to make their own entertainment.

The Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Third Weekend Event at the McQuarrie Memorial Museum will be about the Pioneer Era of 1847 to 1869 and take a look at the history and accomplishments of those hardy pioneers.  The presenter will be the museum director, Teresa Orton.

Teresa is a native of St. George and descended from those who settled this part of Utah.  She has been the Director of the McQuarrie Memorial Museum for 13 years and has a passion for preserving local history as well as sharing the dynamic stories and accomplishments of those pioneer settlers.

Her presentation will be on Saturday, May 18, at 10:00 a.m. at the McQuarrie Museum located at 145 North 100 East in St. George.  Admission is free, there is handicap access, and you can learn about some amazing things that happened between 1847 and 1869.

For more museum information you can visit the website at or call 435-628-7274.