The bronze plaques surrounding the Journey's End Handcart Pioneer bronze monument

Journey's End

Between 1856 and 1860 some 3000 members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints eagerly started their westward journey to Zion by handcart.  The Pioneers who departed from Iowa City walked approximately1300 miles, and those who departed from Florence, Nebraska walked almost as far.

Each rough hewn handcart carried around 300 pounds of their earthly possessions and provisions for their long journey, usually five people were assigned to each handcart.  Hardships and trials tested the faith of the men, women and children as they pushed through heavy snow, drenching rain, and fatiguing heat.

The Pioneers’ love for God and his son, Jesus Christ, inspired them to take every footstep with faith.  Their hope was to gather with the early settlers in Zion where they would have religious freedom to live in peace and help build the Kingdom of God.

Upon arriving in the valley of the Great Salt Lake, these noble Pioneers were joyful and thankful that they had reached the end of their arduous journey. This monument depicts a family offering a humble prayer of gratitude.

“Journey’s End” is dedicated to the Handcart Pioneers who exemplified sacrifice, courage, determination and unwavering faith.

Dedicated on July 24, 1999 by President Gordon B. Hinckley of

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Commissioned and Donated by Lewis D. and Mary R. Bowerman

Stanley J. Watts, Sculptor

On August 6, 1842 the Prophet Joseph Smith prophesied that the Saints would continue to suffer much affliction and would be driven to the Rocky Mountains.  The Prophet said, “…and some of you will live to go and assist in making settlements and build cities and see the saints become a mighty people in the midst of the Rocky Mountains."

Joseph Smith, Jr., First President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 

“It is good to look to the past to gain appreciation for the present and perspective for the future.  It is good to look upon the virtues of those who gone before, to gain strength for whatever lies ahead.  It is good to reflect upon the work of those who labored so hard and gained so little in this world.  But out of whose dreams and early plans, so well nurtured, has come a great harvest of which we are the beneficiaries.  Their tremendous example can become a compelling motivation for us all, for each of us is a pioneer in his own life.”

Gordon B. Hinckley, Fifteenth President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

 “They were a band of believers who tried to do the right thing for the right reasons, ordinary men and women who were called on to perform an extraordinary work."

Elder M. Russell Ballard, Member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles,

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

This bronze plaque relates the experiences of a few of the Handcart Pioneers

The Willie and Martin Companies experienced severe problems.  With a sense of urgency, they started their long journey too late in the year.  Their frail handcarts made of unseasoned wood broke frequently and added to their problems.  In Wyoming these Pioneers encountered snow and freezing weather.  Their supplies ran out.  Over 200 Pioneers died.  The survivors were thankful when the rescue parties sent by Brigham Young arrived to help them complete the journey.

The Willie and Martin Companies, 1856

“Thus had one hardship followed another…. But by the help of God, I did make the trip, and I always have and always will give him the honor.  Praise and thanks for it…. There were thousands of wishes and prayers, as well as dreams that we might endure the hardships and reach Zion where we hoped better days were in store for us.”

Lars Christensen    The Rowley Company, 1859

“On the 24^th of September, 1860, we took up our handcarts for the last time.  We pulled them fourteen miles on to the campgrounds in Salt Lake City.  Here we set them down, never more to realize how heavy they had been.  How hard to pull.”

Carl Fjeld    The Stoddard Company, 1860

HANDCART COMPANIES

Co.No.  Captain  Persons Handcarts Wagons Year  Left Iowa City  Left Florence  Arrived SLC  Deaths Enroute

1  Ellsworth     274       52    5    1856    June 9     July 20     Sep. 26         13

2  McArthur     221       48   4    1856    June 11     July 24     Sep. 26         7

3  Bunker        320       64   5    1856    June 23     July 30     Oct. 2    Less than 7

4  Willie          500      120   6    1856    July 15     Aug. 17     Nov. 9           67

5  Martin         576       146  7    1856    July 28     Aug. 27     Nov. 30    135 – 150

6  Evans          149       31    2    1857    May 22     June 20    Sep. 11, 12

7 Christiansen 330       68    3    1857    June 13    July 7      Sep. 13      About 6

8  Rowley        235       66    6    1859                    June 9     Sep. 4        About 5

9   Robison      233       45    6    1860                    June 6     Aug. 27           1

10  Stoddard   124       21    7    1860                     July 6      Sep. 24            0

Totals:            2962    653    50                                                          About 250

Source: Handcarts to Zion by Leroy R. and Ann W. Hafen

Permission granted by the Arthur H. Clark Company

Bronze Handcart Pioneer Family Monument located at This is The Place State Park

LDS art by Mormon Artist Stan Watts.

Mormon handcart pioneer bronze sculpture.  Mormon handcart pioneer statue.

LDS historical bronze sculptures.  Monuments with Meaning.

To see more LDS sculptures by Stan Watts Click Here