Today is Pioneer Day in Utah. It's a state holiday that celebrates the day Brigham Young and the first group of Mormon pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. Many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also celebrate Pioneer Day outside of Utah as well.
Not only did Mormon pioneers use wagons to cross the plains as they traveled to the Salt Lake Valley, some of them used handcarts like the one shown in this postcard. Handcarts were a less expensive alternative to wagons.
The handcart pioneers placed their belongings in their handcart and walked 1,000+ miles across the plains to the Salt Lake Valley, which is an amazing thing to me. It shows the great faith and courage these handcart pioneers had.
This postcard is a 1939 genuine Curt Teich "C.T. Art-Colortone vintage postcard.
Transcription from postcard description:
The Hand-cart migration was a distinct movement in Western pioneer travel. From 1856 to 1861 nearly 4,000 people crossed the plains on foot. Men and women pushed or pulled their Hand-carts for 1,000 miles between the Missouri River and Salt Lake City. The Hand-cart companies brought to the State artisans, traders, agriculturists, blacksmiths, and men learned in the professions.________________________
Nor gold nor glory their exalted quest,who won for East the wide unconquered West.They toiled o'er frozen crest, o'er parching plainEternal wealth in higher worlds to gain.Forever in remembrance let them be, who gavetheir all for truth and liberty.
Orson F. Whitney
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