The survey that led to a national park

Article by Lieca N. Hohner, Editor of POB magazine

At the beginning of nearly every autumn season, I set out on vacation, hoping to see new places and learn new things. I often seek out new territory as I did this year, but I also found myself trekking back to a much favored area in Utah: Zion National Park. Although I’ve been there in the past for sightseeing and hiking its impressive rock trails, it is always a joy to visit. And this time, I’d like to especially thank Leo Snow.

Leo A. Snow was a United States Deputy Surveyor from St. George, Utah, and in 1908 he performed a general land survey of the township that included the canyon of the Utah region. Inaccessible due to very treacherous terrain, the public knew little about this land. Upon completion of his overview, Snow presented his report to the Department of the Interior, which contained glowing remarks about the land’s beauty, scenery and amazing geology. Snow’s findings were brought to the attention of President William Taft along with a strong suggestion that the area be preserved and designated as a national monument. In 1909, the area was established by presidential proclamation as the Mukuntuweap National Monument, a name given by the local Native American Paiute people (ancestors of the Pueblo people) meaning “straight arrow.”

In 1918, after years of mispronunciations (I can relate), Mormon pioneers changed the locally unpopular name “Mukuntuweap” to “Zion” meaning “place of refuge.” And on November 19, 1919, the area was made into an accessible national park with visitor accommodations by Act of Congress. It has provided me, personally, with a type of sanctuary through the splendors of its beauty and for that, I thank Mr. Snow.

This article is found on page 137 in Lasting Impressions, a book compiled by Rhonda Rushing, CEO of Berntsen International, Inc.