From Dugout to Freedom Shrine

From Dugout to Freedom Shrine. . In October 1849, the Joseph Harker family built a dugout dwelling in the bluffs overlooking the Jordan River, near the place where Big Cottonwood Creek joins the Jordan River. , , On January 9, 1849, Thomas Mackay, John Bennion, Samuel Bennion, Thomas Turbett, William Blackburst, William Farrer, John Robinson, James Taylor, and their families crossed the Jordan River on the ice and settled near Joseph Harker at about 3300 South and 1400 West. Without available building materials, they began to construct dugout dwellings. Obtaining water from the river at that location was too difficult, so they moved to about 4800 South, which is now the City of Taylorsville, Utah. These families are believed to be the first pioneer settlers of Taylorsville. , , The Freedom Shrine , In 1998, a developer donated a parcel of land to the new city; the intent of the donation was to designate space for a park. To fulfil their charter objective to foster community identity and patriotism, the Taylorsville Exchange Club proposed the development of an outdoor Freedom Shrine on the land. The wall of the Freedom Shrine is designed to symbolically depict the dugout dwellings carved into the bluffs by early settlers. , , The Taylorsville Exchange Club held a dedication ceremony on September 22, 2001. The tragic events that occurred on September 11, 2001 made the dedication an emotional experience. Three hundred state, military, and international flags decorated the wall and plaza. The plaza is a gathering place for countless service, civic and patriotic events. Jordan River Parkway users stop for rest, renewal and to be reminded of our pioneer heritage and the blessings of freedom. , , Many Hands , Senator Eddy Mayne of the Utah State Legislature, and friend of the Exchange Club, who sponsored many Freedom Shrines in area schools, sponsored a bill at the legislature for a one-time expenditure to purchase and install the Freedom Shrine documents. His efforts were key to making the project a success. Many contractors and building material providers with local ties contributed equipment, manpower and materials for the construction. Exchange Club members and community volunteers contributed time and money. This government and volunteer partnership created a unique experience for travelers on the Jordan River Parkway.