First Free Public School (2) Markers

Free public school in Utah started here. When the territorial legislature authorized a school tax in February 1866, American Fork's mayor — Leonard Harrington, who was also the town's bishop — called a public meeting, and the citizens voted yes. The school that opened in November 1867, four teachers strong, was the first in the territory supported by taxes rather than tuition, a full generation before free schooling became Utah law. A second plaque remembers what it sounded like: twenty-five young voices singing their favorite from the Sunday School songbook as the morning bell rang.

What the plaque says

The Territorial Legislature, February, 1866, authorized the levy of a tax for the support of schools within each district, pursuant to this act, Mayor Leonard E. Harrington called a meeting and the majority of citizens of American Fork approved the plan. School opened in November, 1867 with Jos. B. Forbes, E.A. Henroid, Editha Anderson and Elizabeth G. Griffith, teachers. Wm. Greenwood, Wm. Paxman, James W. Preston, trustees. American Fork thereby became Torch Bearer of the present free school system. “When upon Life’s Path We Tread”, sang twenty-five lusty young voices as morning school bells called the students to order. Those lyrics to the tune “Hark, Listen to the Trumpeters”, from the old Sunday School Song Book, were favorites of that school class. “When upon life’s path we thread, we come to many a place, where if not careful we will fall and sink into disgrace. So, my children one and all, please mind your parents dear and teacher, as you go through life then you’ll have not to fear.” Through life’s journey “When the pioneers moved to the west, with courage strong they met the test. They pushed their handcarts all day long as they pushed they sang this song.” For some must push and some must pull as we go marching up the hill; so merrily on our way we go until we reach the valley-o”

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Lehi Roller Mills — 3.0 mi
  The flour mill from the movie Footloose
• Timpanogos Cave National Monument — 6.4 mi
  Three spectacularly decorated caves connected by hand-carved tunnels
• Thanksgiving Point — 6.6 mi
  A massive complex with dinosaur bones, gardens, and a curiosity museum
• Alpine Loop Summit — 9.5 mi
  The 8,000-foot high point of the Alpine Loop, face to face with Mount Timpanogos

More markers nearby

• Fort Wall of American Fork — steps away
• American Fork Presbyterian Church — steps away
• Veterans Memorial Building — steps away
• First Flour Mill — 0.3 mi