Celebrating our collective pioneer history

175 years ago during the summer of 1847, the first pioneer company entered the Salt Lake Valley. Known as the vanguard company, this enterprising band paved the way for thousands of wagons, handcarts, and footsteps to follow, blazing a path with their sweat and sacrifice. Some of the names on that first roster are familiar to us—Porter Rockwell, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and more—while the lesser-known invite us to dive deeper and discover more fully what roots us all to this place.

Green Flake, born into slavery in North Carolina, drove the first wagon into Emigration Canyon and maintained a lifelong faith in the promise of an eternal family. Hark Wales and Oscar Smith, formerly enslaved brothers from Mississippi, also reached the valley of promise two days ahead of Brigham Young, all too aware of the pains that come when freedom is denied—religious or otherwise. Jane Manning James, led by a firm conviction that she was a daughter of God and would serve in His kingdom through all her days, determined to make a home among the Saints no matter what obstacles others might place in front of her on account of her race.

This year, Deseret Book is celebrating our collective history by recognizing the 175th anniversary of that first company of pioneers entering the Salt Lake Valley by sharing the stories of these saints and more. Come take part in this musical celebration and see the newly constructed monument dedicated to these inspiring individuals, unveiled the morning of July 22. Whether your ancestors were part of that first company, or your own family migrated more recently from foreign lands in hopes of finding welcoming arms, or your people’s lives and culture were forever impacted by the arrival of settlers from the east, that summer of 1847 marks a defining point in our collective history. This Pioneer Day, join in celebration and honor those who came before as well as those who seek to dedicate their lives and hearts to continue the building of Zion. No matter your story, Pioneer Day is for you.