[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 44 (Thursday, April 18, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2955-S2956]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. BENNETT:
  S. 2196. A bill to establish the National Mormon Pioneer Heritage 
Area in the State of Utah, and for other purposes; to the Committee on 
Energy and Natural Resources.
  Mr. BENNETT. Madam President, today it gives me great pleasure to 
introduce for the Senate's consideration legislation establishing the 
National Mormon Pioneer Heritage Area.
  Spanning 250 miles, from the small town of Fairview, UT southward to 
our border with Arizona, the area encompassed by the National Mormon 
Pioneer Heritage Area includes outstanding examples of historical, 
cultural, and natural resources shaped by the Mormon pioneers. The 
story of the Mormon pioneers is one of the most compelling and 
captivating in our Nation's history. After traveling 1,400 miles from 
Illinois either by wagon or by pulling a handcart the pioneers came to 
the Great Salt Lake Valley. Along the way, the pioneers experienced 
many hardships including starvation, dehydration, exposure to the 
elements, Indian attacks, and religious persecution to name a few. Many 
people died during their journey. Shortly after arriving in and 
establishing Salt Lake City, Brigham Young dispatched pioneers to 
establish communities in present day Idaho, Wyoming, Oregon, and other 
regions of Utah. The vast colonization effort in no way ended the 
hardship experienced by the pioneers. Throughout the area included in 
my proposal are numerous stories of pioneers who perserved through 
challenging circumstances. Communities such as Panguitch have Quilt 
Days every year to commemorate the sacrifice and fortitude of its 
pioneers whose efforts saved the community from starvation in 1864. The 
Quilt Days celebration is a remembrance of an event known as the Quilt 
Walk, in which a group of men from Panguitch attempted to cross over 
the mountains to Parowan, a community to the west, to procure food 
during the community's first winter. Because of deep

[[Page S2956]]

snows the pioneers were unable to trek across the mountains. Using 
their quilts, the pioneers formed a path which would support their 
weight and were able to reach Parowan, secure food, and return to 
Panguitch. There are other remarkable stories in the proposed heritage 
area that demonstrate the tenacity of the Mormon pioneers. At times in 
order to survive, the pioneers had to overcome major natural obstacles. 
One such obstacle was the Hole-in-the-Rock. In 1880 a group of 250 
people, 80 wagons, and 1,000 head of cattle came upon the Colorado 
River Gorge. After looking for sometime to find an acceptable path to 
the river, the pioneers found a narrow crevice leading to the bottom of 
the gorge. Because the crevice was too narrow to accommodate their 
wagons, the pioneers spent six weeks enlarging the crevice by hand, 
using hammers, chisels, and blasting powder, so wagons could pass. 
Today the Hole-in-the-Rock stands as a monument to the resourcefulness 
of the Mormon pioneers.
  The National Mormon Pioneer Heritage Area will serve as special 
recognition to the people and places that have contributed greatly to 
our Nation's development. Throughout the heritage area are wonderful 
examples of architecture, such as the community of Spring City, 
heritage products, and cultural events, such as the Mormon Miracle 
Pageant, that demonstrate the way-of-life of the pioneers.
  This designation will allow for the conservation of historical and 
cultural resources, the establishment of interpretive exhibits, will 
increase public awareness, and specifically allows for the preservation 
of historic buildings. This is a locally based, locally supported 
undertaking. My legislation has broad support from Sanpete, Sevier, 
Piute, Garfield, and Kane Counties. Furthermore, nothing in my 
legislation affects private property, land use planning, or zoning.
  I am very proud to introduce this legislation today. I look forward 
to working with my colleagues in the Committee on Energy and Natural 
Resources to pass this legislation this year.
                                 ______