Located at the Mormon Trail Visitors Center at Historic Winter Quarters, 3215 State Street (
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The statue (by Franz Johnson) was created as a tribute to the miraculous journey by thousands of early Mormon immigrants on their way west to Utah. Florence was an important outfitting place for Mormons to prepare for their journey. For many, the costs of a wagon and team to travel in were too great. As a result, the church decided that the handcart method would allow many to make the journey that wouldn't be able to otherwise. The handcarts weighed approximately 60 pounds and were designed to carry only the bare essentials necessary to make the trip. The rims were covered in rawhide in order to retread along the way. Travelers were expected to walk, many barefoot in order to preserve "shoe-leather."
The hardship was too great for many resulting in sickness and death along the way. The "Tragedy at Winter Quarters" statue is a tribute to the many that weren't able to complete the journey.
Also visit the Mormon Trail Visitors Center.