The Expansion of 1849

The homes were the factories. As Holladay's first settlers spread out in the spring of 1849 looking for better land — some crossing south of Big Cottonwood Creek, others onto the high ground north and west — each household became a self-sufficient workshop, and much of the making fell to the women. They raised yeast from salt, potash, and flour, or from wild berries; they boiled soap out of animal fat and wood or corncob ashes; they poured candles from rendered tallow. Cash was almost nonexistent, and there was little to buy anyway, so families made their own.

What the plaque says

In this vicinity at early Holladay's western reaches (south to Big Cottonwood Creek, west a quarter mile, and northward) dozens of pioneers settled in spring 1849. Some of Holladay's first-year settlers left the original village center after evaluating conditions, likely wanting land more fertile, irrigable, and suitable for expansion. While some relocated south of Big Cottonwood Creek, others resettled along its northern high-ground areas as well as west and north of here. With almost no money and few commodities in the valley for purchase, early pioneers maintained homes that were primarily self-sustaining industrial centers, much of the work done by women. Yeast for bread was made from the foam of salt, potash, and flour mixture or from berries; soap made from animal fat and ashes of trees or corn-cobs; candles from animal fat. Dirt floors were covered with homemade rag carpets. Starch for ironing clothes was made from potatoes. Women spun wool to make shirts, dresses, and suits. Dyes for coloring fabrics came from plants-green from sagebrush, reds and purples from berries and roots, light brown from boiled onion skins, and yellow from boiled rabbitbrush.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Gilgal Sculpture Garden — 5.5 mi
  A surreal and eccentric sculpture garden hidden in a residential neighborhood
• Liberty Park — 5.8 mi
  Salt Lake Citys beloved 80-acre urban park since 1882
• International Peace Gardens — 5.9 mi
  A hidden garden where 28 countries are represented in miniature
• This Is The Place Heritage Park — 6.1 mi
  A living history village at the mouth of Emigration Canyon

More markers nearby

• Holladay's First General Store — steps away
• Brinton's Blacksmith Shop — steps away
• The Lower Canal — 0.2 mi
• Holladay's First Church & School Bldg. — 0.2 mi