Zion National Park

Images of America: Utah

by Tiffany Taylor

On July 31, 1909, Pres. William Howard Taft authorized the creation of Mukuntuweap National Monument in southern Utah. Encompassing miles of rugged mountain peaks towering above the Virgin River, the national monument was renamed Zion and designated as a national park in 1919. The area, originally inhabited by Native Americans, was settled by Mormon pioneers in the early 1860s. As the beauty of the region gained national fame, roads were constructed, tourist accommodations were established, and from 1927 to 1930, the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, a 5,613-foot-long engineering wonder, was constructed. Recognized around the world for its geologic, scenic, and historic value, Zion, Utah's first national park, draws millions of visitors each year.

Genres: History

128 pages, Paperback

First published October 29, 2008

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is an Arcadia Publishing book, they always seem to have enjoyable, historical, photo essay-style books. I actually bought this book at Zion's National Park in the Book Store, so I guess I had higher expectations. Although I did glean a few things, most of the book was related to the history of a handful of the founding families of Springdale and the early park employees. Very few pictures of the actual park are included, the historic inn, restaurants, trails, or the majesty that is Zion's. There are numerous historic photos and paintings that drove tourists to make the pilgrimage to Zion National Park that could have been included and the Jolley family could have published their own photo album for personal use, instead of calling it a book about Zion National Park.

If you are looking for a history of Zion National Park, don't start here.

[Nate · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the glimpses into local life in Springdale and ZNP in the early days of the park. I think there was kind of a missed opportunity to bring in some of the early photos of the park, especially from JK Hillers and Dave Rust.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun to look at all the photographs and read all the familiar names of a place dear to my heart. If only it could have stayed so peaceful without the crowds of people.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting history about Zion National Park and the key people involved in its development.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

wish it was still called Mukuntuweap
but some cool info in this about residents of springdale (lightning on the cable system, counting cars as a pastime) and the construction of the tunnel (the viewpoints we’re for airflow for workers making the tunnel) and how many buildings burned down in the park and springdale were really interesting and seeing how many people visited the park through the years was an fun addition in this book

[QuesterMark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sure has a lot of genealogy.