Bodil Mortensen Memorial

This memorial, which also houses a Poke-gym, is located in the Parowan Heritage Park at 19 Old US Highway 91 in Parowan, Utah. The memorial consists of a bronze sculpture of Mormon Pioneers traveling with a handcart, and an etched plaque.

The plaque reads: 

"Tribute to Bodil Mortensen

Welcome home our dear and beloved Bodil. Not to the valley where your sister anxiously awaited your arrival, but to this small peaceful valley which is now your spiritual place of rest here on earth. The same valley wherein lie the bodies of parents and many family members. Bodil Malene Mortensen was born in Denmark on August 5, 1846 to Neils Otto Mortensen and Maren Kristine Hansen Mortensen. Not to parents of royalty, great privilege or wealth. Just people of ordinary Danish status whose intention it was to migrate to America and join other members of a newly found religion.

Bodil's pilgrimage to the new world was not without the usual problems encountered in oceanic and land travel, but the story of Bodil and her family is only one such story that could be told as there were hundreds of others that suffered through the same trials and tribulations as did they. Many completed their journey, but several like Bodil perished during their trek westward. A tribute to these people seems like a small acknowledgement for what they gave to us all. Their honor and influence did not stop at their graveside. For this we give eternal thanks and gratitude. Memorial presented by members of Bodil's Family."

Bodil's journey to Zion began when she was nine years old. Her older sister had made the journey the year before and was living in Salt Lake City. Bodil's parents decided to send her with some family friends, Jens and Elsie Nielson, along with their son Niels, and then they would make the journey the following year. During the long trek, which began in Denmark, Bodil was charged with helping Jens and  Elsie look after Niels who was 4 years younger than her. They had many experiences together, both good and bad. 

After arriving in America the group traveled by train to Iowa City where they joined up with the Willie Handcart Company. The winter storms had begun early, causing problems for the company. They traveled up Rocky Ridge, a particularly difficult 15 mile trek, in one such storm. Upon arriving at camp it appears that Bodil was sent to gather firewood, as they found the young girl frozen to death the next morning, still clutching some twigs in her hands. The rest of her family made their journey West the next year, and passed by Bodil's grave in Rock Creek, Wyoming without knowing of her death. They settled in Parowan, Utah, which is why this memorial was placed there by her family. Her mother was never the same after learning of Bodil's death, and eventually died of a nervous breakdown.

Chief Walkara

This Pokestop was found in the most unlikely of places. I had pulled off the interstate to take a "pitstop" at the Meadow, Utah exit. (Utah I-15, exit 185) and had to decide between two gas stations. Since I was off the freeway I brought up my Pokemon Go to see if I could rack up some distance while I explored the area. One gas station was the clear winner for restrooms, snacks, and other amenities, but at the other gas station I found this little gem!

The marker reads:
"Chief Walkara
(Chief Walker, Wakarum)
1810 ca. --January 29, 1855
Walkara, Ute Indian chieftain, was one of the principal Indian chiefs when the Mormons first entered this area in 1848. Feared from California to New Mexico, he was a remarkably sly chief, daring horse thief, savage slave trader, furious enemy, admirable friend, and unprincipled lover. He became a war chief unrivaled in his ability to lead his band with cunning, power, and fierceness.
His name refers to yellow buckskin. Nicknamed the "Hawk of the Mountains" and "Napoleon of the Desert" he was an opportunist in the changing of the west. He was more notorious than great, more bandit than chief. Without question, white and Indian alike, he was the West's greatest horse thief, stealing over 1000 horses on one raid alone. His horse stealing adventures are legendary.
The ill-fated "Walker War" began in July 1853 and lasted until May 1854. Every Mormon settlement was transformed into an armed fort. The final cost was upwards of $200,000 and many lives. Peace was concluded after a mile-long peace train under Brigham Young met the aging warrior on Chicken Creek (Levan).
Born on the banks of the Pequinarynoquint (stinking) River in Utah County, Walkara was buried in a seplechre of stone on the rugged eastern hillside above  this little community of Meadow. His grave was located up Dry Canyon, the first canyon north of Corn Creek. On the day of burial two of his squaws and some Piute  children were offered up as sacrifice. Besides his weapons, trinkets, presents, the tow squaws and two girls, a young boy was fastened alive to the pedestal beside Walkara's body. It is presumed the grave was robbed by whites in 1909. It is interesting that another famous chief and brother, Kanosh was buried just a short distance from here.

Plaque presented by Millard Jr. and Sr. High School 1973"

The Walker War was one of a series of "Indian wars" fought in Utah between 1849 and the late 1860's. These wars came about when Mormon settlers began disrupting the hunting and trading of Utah's native peoples. Several uneasy peace treaties were made during this time, but these peace-times were eventually broken by one side or another, resulting in another war. Chief Walkara was the leader of the Timpanogos Utes during the Walker War, and resented the fact that the Mormons were encroaching upon their hunting grounds, and limiting their trade, most notably the slave trade between the Timpanogos and Mexico. There was not one single event that led to the war, but rather a series of events, and each side had their own ideas as to what sparked the fighting. After the war had wound down, and a peace treaty was struck,
Chief Walkara converted to the Mormon faith and took up the name Joseph Walker. This being said, it was reported that his funeral was drastically different from those typical of church members. Walkara was entombed rather than buried, and had several sacrifices made on the day of his entombment. It is recorded that he had women, children and horses killed and entombed with him, as well as a live boy (or two.) Body counts may differ, but all accounts point to sacrificial offerings.
The peace achieved during Walkara's lifetime was short-lived, as more skirmishes broke out in years to come, eventually leading to the Blackhawk War.

For more info on the Walker War click here.
A newspaper article about Walkara can be found here.
Information on his burial is here.
Click here for info on the Black Hawk War.