Near Syracuse in Davis County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Hollywood Comes to Antelope Island

Photographed By Andrew Johnson, October 7, 2018

1. Hollywood Comes to Antelope Island Marker

Inscription. The signature scene, the dangerous buffalo hunt from the movie The Covered Wagon, was filmed on Antelope Island. Released in 1923, it was one of the most successful films of the silent era and the first epic western ever produced. An original playbill reads, “The Covered Wagon is the most colossal film undertaking of all times. Nothing like it has ever been done before, probably nothing like it will ever be done again.”

The buffalo hunt scene was filmed at this site. At this time, the island herd numbered close to 200 buffalo. Cowboys from the Island Ranch hired on to stampede the buffalo in front of the cameras. Even then, it took three days before the buffalo would cooperate.

The film was wildly received by the public, playing to capacity audiences for months. When the film opened with much excitement at the Paramount Theater in Salt Lake City, the theater served buffalo burgers at the front door. Now, only this location's name—Camera Flat—is left from when Hollywood came to Antelope Island.

Erected by Friends of Antelope Island.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1923.

Location. 41° 1.075′ N, 112°

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11.605′ W. Marker is near Syracuse, Utah, in Davis County. Marker is on Antelope Island Road, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Syracuse UT 84075, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. William S. Holt (approx. 3.6 miles away); The Road To Nowhere (approx. 3.7 miles away); Welcome to the Frary Homestead (approx. 3.7 miles away); Our Desert Island Home (approx. 3.7 miles away); Brine Shrimp and the Great Salt Lake (approx. 3.7 miles away); Island Adventures (approx. 3.7 miles away); “Our Home So Dear” (approx. 3.7 miles away); Antelope Island (approx. 6.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Syracuse.

Photographed By Andrew Johnson, October 7, 2018

2. Hollywood Comes to Antelope Island Marker

Two buffalo are visible on the hillside.

Buffalo Grazing at Camera Flat image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Johnson, October 7, 2018

3. Buffalo Grazing at Camera Flat

Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2018. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2018, by Andrew Johnson of Salt Lake City, Utah. This page has been viewed 404 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 20, 2018, by Andrew Johnson of Salt Lake City, Utah. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.