In addition to being an official holiday in Utah, Pioneer Day is considered a special occasion by many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).[8][9] On Pioneer Day, some Latter-day Saints walk portions of the
Mormon Trail or reenact entering the Salt Lake Valley by
handcart.[10] Latter-day Saints throughout the United States[11][12] and around the world may celebrate July 24 in remembrance of the LDS Church's pioneer era, with songs, dances, potlucks, and pioneer related activities.[13][14]
While the holiday has strong links to the LDS Church, it is officially a celebration for everyone, regardless of faith and nationality, who immigrated to the
Salt Lake Valley during the pioneer era, which is generally considered to have ended with the 1869 arrival of the
transcontinental railroad.[15] Notable non-LDS
American pioneers from this period include Episcopal Bishop
Daniel S. Tuttle, who was responsible for Utah's first non-
Mormon schools (
Rowland Hall-St. Mark's) and first public hospital (St. Mark's) in the late 19th century.[16] The Intertribal
Powwow at
Liberty Park in
Salt Lake City honors the cultural heritage and contributions of the area's
Native Americans, helping Utahns to gain a deeper understanding of the region's history.[17][18]
History
The earliest precursor to Pioneer Day celebrations in Utah occurred on July 24, 1849,[19] when the
Nauvoo Brass Band led a commemoration of the second anniversary of the Latter-day Saints entering the Salt Lake Valley.[20]
The celebration of Pioneer Day in 1857 was interrupted with news of the approach of
Johnston's Army, heralding the beginning of the
Utah War.[21] Immediately following the occupation of the
Utah Territory by federal troops, Pioneer Day was sparsely celebrated.[22] Pioneer Day continually expanded into the surrounding areas as the
Mormon Corridor spread throughout the
Intermountain West.[22] In 1880, Latter-day Saints commemorated the
Golden Jubilee of the
church's formal organization in 1830; tens of thousands of people in hundreds of communities participated in enthusiastic celebrations.[22]
In the years that followed, federal enforcement efforts of anti-
polygamy laws (including the 1882
Edmunds Act) resulted in greatly subdued celebrations.[22] The 1886 commemoration was particularly notable for its
mourning theme, with the
Salt Lake Tabernacle decorated in black instead of the usually colorful
bunting, and the
eulogizing of Latter-day Saints who were in hiding or imprisoned for polygamy offenses.[22] By 1897, the celebration included not only the 50th anniversary of the initial arrival in the Salt Lake Valley, but also the end of the polygamy issue, the completion of the
Salt Lake Temple, and statehood for Utah.[22]
The centennial in 1947 and the sesquicentennial in 1997 were especially large celebrations in Utah. One writer indicated that the 1947 celebrations seemed to incorporate the entire year, with July 24 only being an apex to the events.[23]
The holiday generates a great deal of road traffic; Utah Department of Public Safety statistics states Pioneer Day has the second highest holiday
traffic fatality rate in Utah, with the earlier July 4
Independence Day having the highest rate.[24]
The holiday has received criticism for its lack of inclusiveness for non-Mormons.[25] As a result, a small, growing contingent has started celebrating Pie and Beer Day instead of the traditional Pioneer Day.[26] Pie and Beer day is a play on words: "pie and beer" sounds like "pioneer." Pie and Beer Day was created as a counter culture alternative.[27][28]
^Schindler, Harold (July 24, 1997), "Ailing Young Rolls Out of Canyon, Likes Look of the Salt Lake Valley", Salt Lake Tribune, Mormon Trail Series, Article ID: 100F84BB82E32C16.
ReprintedArchived September 11, 2009, at the
Wayback Machine with permission at Utah History to Go.
(federal) = federal holidays, (abbreviation) = state/territorial holidays, (religious) = religious holidays, (cultural) = holiday related to a specific
racial/ethnic group or
sexual minority, (week) = week-long holidays, (month) = month-long holidays, (36) =
Title 36 Observances and Ceremonies