What is a Utah Pioneer?

We have on display in the Alpine Relic Hall this gorgeous rendition of the Mormon Pioneer trail. Seen in the forefront are teams of oxen pulling covered wagons. The pioneers passed through the great plains area but also through mountainous regions.

Although the Mormons were one of the major migration groups to the State of Deseret and Utah Territory until 10 May 1869, there were many others. Anyone who migrated through the area or even born in the area are considered Utah Pioneers. Utah Territory borders at that historical time included parts of Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Idaho, and Wyoming. Consider the following list of Utah Pioneers:

·         Trappers, hunters freighters, and miners

·         Anyone who came from any direction N, S, E, W to anywhere in the Territory

·         Members of wagon companies (Mormon or Non-Mormon)

·         Members of Mormon Battalion who traveled to or through geographic area covered by State of Deseret/Utah Territory before the completion of the railroad, 10 May 1869

·         Members of Johnston's Army who traveled to or through geographic area covered by Utah Territory between 1857-1858 (Utah War, 1857-1858)

·         Passengers of Ship Brooklyn who settled in San Diego, San Bernardino, or traveled to or through geographic area covered by State of Deseret/Utah Territory

·         Workers on the railroad in geographic area before 10 May 1869

- To see a great map of Utah Territory click here and scroll to the bottom of the page -

Oxen Yoke

The oxen yoke is the insignia of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. Oxen teams were the animal best suited for the long pull across the plains in covered wagons. We have two oxen yoke, one small and one large, in the Alpine Relic Hall. Families migrated west during the pioneer era from 1847 until the railroad connected from the east coast to the west coast. There was a large celebration on that monumental day of 10 May 1869 when the pioneer era ended. It took only a few days to cross from the east coast to the west coast by train instead of several months by wagon. We honor our pioneers and the incredible fortitude they displayed in settling the west.

Alpine Relic Hall

Located at 50 North Main St., Alpine, Utah

Alpine has had several former names: Upper Dry Creek, Lone City, and Mountainville.

In 1922 the first DUP camp in the north end of Utah County was created and named The Mountainville Camp. They have run this pioneer vintage building since 1937.

Construction started on this public building in 1857 and it was dedicated in 1863 by the LDS Prophet Brigham Young. It was used for civic, worship, and recreational purposes.

In 1906 electric lights replaced the coal oil lamps and candles. Later, the cellar was dug out and changed into a basement serving currently as an artifact room. The Hall houses records, artifacts, and pictures. Digital copies of the photos are available for purchase on a CD. 

The Hall is open on Alpine Days, National Museum Day, as well as by appointment. Anyone interested in a tour can contact Sheri Nuffer at 801-756-3676 for an appointment.

Where to Find Historical Records on Highland & Alpine Utah

Towns often have “unofficial” historians. To find them contact the city office of the town you want to research or just ask around among the residents.  

There are two new pages on The Utah North Company website. Each page is added to frequently and contains books, websites, repositories, etc. on where to find certain historical records. If you have further information please contact us.

Visit the Alpine page by clicking here

Visit the Highland page by clicking here