Rock Canyon in Provo in Utah County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Army Troops Caused the “Provo Riot” in 1870
One in a Series of Events from Provo's History
Provo officials responded by increasing the city’s police force to 62 men, many times the useful number.
Local leaders and many residents treated the soldiers poorly and avoided them whenever possible. Townspeople did not invite the newcomers to any of their parties and dance, although the soldiers tried to be sociable. The troopers resented this treatment.
Just after payday in September, 1870, the soldiers decided to have a party of their own. They found it difficult to secure a hall, but John M. Cunningham finally consented to rent them the large octagonal house he occupied on the southwest corner of 500 West 100 North.
Soldiers gathered at Cunningham’s house for dinner, drink, and dance on the night of September 22, 1870. The more these partygoers drank, the more resentful they became of the local leaders.
Around midnight, some of the revelers burst outdoors and went on a rampage through town. They fired random shots, smashed windows, broke doors, and sacked three houses belonging to local authorities. The rioters even made a half-hearted attempt to burn down the town’s meetinghouse.
After meeting token resistance, the soldiers returned to Cunningham’s home. They eventually dragged themselves back into camp in time for reveille.
The soldiers then received a surprise: residents insisted that they be arrested and made to pay for the damages. The War Department deducted reparations from their next paychecks, and many of the rioters were sentenced to military confinement.
Those involved in what became known as the “Provo Riot” soon received transfers. Then soldiers and Provo citizens peacefully coexisted until the troops returned to Salt Lake City in June, 1871.
Erected by Rotary International and Provo Parks & Recreation. (Marker Number 53.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1871.
Location. 40° 16.093′ N, 111° 38.158′ W. Marker is in Provo, Utah, in Utah County. It is in Rock Canyon. Marker can be reached from East 2620 North east of North 1200 East. Marker is located at Rock Canyon Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1275 E 2620 N, Provo UT 84604, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Provo’s First Bank was Late in Coming but Didn’t Last Long (within shouting distance of this marker); Choosing the Site of Provo’s First Tabernacle Caused Some Controversy (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Proctor Academy Helped Educate Provo’s Youth (about 500 feet away); Carp Not Native to Utah Lake; Introduced in 1882 (about 600 feet away); Provo Had a “Pest House” for Those with Communicable Diseases (about 600 feet away); Creating the “Y” on the Mountain (about 700 feet away); Provo’s North Park Had a Community Ice Skating Rink in the 1930s (about 700 feet away); First Utah County Fair Held in Provo (approx. 1˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Provo.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 16, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 75 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 16, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.