The Seagulls - Salt Lake City, Utah
N 40° 46.192 W 111° 53.556
12T E 424670 N 4513593
The Seagull are at the Seagull Monument Temple Square in Salt Lake City Utah
Waymark Code: WMBDZJ
Location: Utah, United States
Date Posted: 05/10/2011
Views: 24
In 1848 the Mormon pioneers planted crops for their first spring season in Utah. As the crops ripened, Mormon crickets descended upon the farms from the foothills east of the valley. The insects consumed entire fields. According to traditional account, the harvest was saved by flocks of native seagulls which devoured the crickets. This event, popularly called the "Miracle of the Gulls", is remembered by Latter-day Saints as a miracle.
To celebrate the role seagulls played in the pioneer's first year in Utah, the LDS Church erected Seagull Monument on their Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. The top of the monument is a bronze statue of two insect-devouring seagulls cast by sculptor Mahonri M. Young, who designed the monument. Young studied in France, and was grandson of LDS leader Brigham Young. The monument was dedicated October 1, 1913 by LDS Church president Joseph F. Smith. Seagull Monument is believed to be the first monument dedicated to birds.
Name or use 'Unknown' if not known: The Seagulls
Figure Type: Animal
Artist Name or use 'Unknown' if not known: Young, Mahonri Mackintosh
Date created or placed or use 'Unknown' if not known: 1913
Materials used: Bronze seagulls, with gold leaf
Location: Salt Lake City Temple - Temple Square grounds
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