Lone Cedar Tree

Utah's first famous landmark was a single tree. When the pioneers came down the only road from the east in 1847, they found a lone cedar growing near this spot and stopped to rest in its shade — singing, and offering prayers of thanks for the journey's end. The tree outlived that moment: loggers bound for the canyons met beneath it, children played under it, courting couples made it their trysting place. Then someone, in a thoughtless hour, cut it down. Only the stump remains, set into this monument — a small landmark, dearly missed.

What the plaque says

The street to the north was originally Emmigration Road – the only approach from the east. Over this road the pioneers of 1847 and subsequent years entered the valley of the Great Salt Sea. They found growing near this site a lone cedar and paused beneath its shade. Songs were sung and prayers of gratitude offered by those early pilgrims. Later the cedar tree became a meeting place for the loggers going to the canyons. Children played beneath its branches. Lovers made it a trysting place. Because of its friendly influence on the lives of these early men and women we dedicate this site to their memory. Lone Cedar Tree Although willows grew along the banks of the streams, a lone cedar tree near this spot became Utah's first famous landmark. Someone in a moment of thoughtlessness cut it down, leaving only the stump which is a part of this monument. "In the glory of my prime I was the pioneer's friend."

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Salt Lake City — 1.1 mi
  Utah's capital and largest city — where the Wasatch Range meets the Great Salt Lake.
• Temple Square — 1.1 mi
  The spiritual and architectural heart of Salt Lake City
• Liberty Park — 1.2 mi
  Salt Lake Citys beloved 80-acre urban park since 1882
• Gilgal Sculpture Garden — 1.4 mi
  A surreal and eccentric sculpture garden hidden in a residential neighborhood

More markers nearby

• Rocky Mountain Juniper — steps away
• L.D.S. Tenth Ward Square — 0.3 mi
• Simon Bamberger House — 0.4 mi
• First Church of Christ, Scientist (2) Marker — 0.4 mi