Joe Hill

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Photo, Joe Hill, Utah History to Go
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Joe Hill was created as a companion to PBS channel KUED's documentary on the c. 1900 labor movement figure of the same name. Born in Sweden, Joe Hill's life is largely an enigma. Over time, he became involved in the Industrial Workers of the World, and was known as a writer of labor movement songs. Eventually, Hill was tried for murder, resulting in an outcry from sources as varied as the Swedish ambassador to the American Federation of Labor.

This website provides a brief biography of Joe Hill (also known as Joel Hagglund), introductions to major protestors against his sentence, an overview of the impact of his songwriting, audio recordings and lyrics of several of Hill's songs, lengthy sections of the formal appeal against Hill's sentence, and an interview with a lawyer and professor concerning the case and its legal and social context. Low-resolution images of Joe Hill, his cartoons, labor propaganda, and correspondence related to his trial and sentence are located throughout the site. In some cases, transcriptions are available of historical documents.

Joe Hill also contains information on various labor professions in the early 20th century. You can read about mining, immigration, the Scofield Mine Disaster, and more. Included are five interviews with professors and authors who contributed to the documentary film.

A final section on labor today offers readers an opportunity to submit their own labor stories, as well as a list of publications related to the life and death of Joe Hill.

Site navigation is not as intuitive as it could be. The best way to peruse the "Story" section, for example, may be to use the timeline, rather than to move through the pages in the order the "next" arrows would have you do. Using the timeline, however, will link you to sections in both the "Story" and "Legal Battle" section of the site. Expect to use your browser's back button frequently.

Hovenweep National Monument [CO]

Description

The Hovenweep National Monument consists of six prehistoric ancestral Puebloan villages on an expanse of 26 miles of land. The site was first inhabited more than 10,000 years ago by a farming people. The eventual abandonment of the villages is believed to have been instigated by a lengthy drought.

The monument offers talks, guided walks, interpretive programming, and Junior Ranger activities. Guided walks and interpretive programs are only available for groups and with advance notice. The website offers field trip plans.

Golden Spike National Historic Site [UT]

Description

The Golden Spike National Historic Site commemorates the 1869 joining of the Union and Central Pacific railway companies to create the nation's first transcontinental railroad. The Golden Spike itself was ceremonial, and was not embedded in the tracks.

The site offers five films, two auto tours, a 1.5 mile walking trail, and Junior Ranger activities. During the summer, the site also offers steam demonstrations and re-enactments of the May 10, 1869 Last Spike Ceremony.

Beehive House [UT]

Description

The Beehive House, built 1854, was the home of Brigham Young (1801-1877) during his years as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and as the Governor of the Utah Territory. The interior is furnished in period style. The name of the residence comes from the beehive which sits at the top of the home as a symbolic reminder of the importance of an industrious nature.

The house offers free 30-minute tours.

Iron Mission State Park Museum [UT]

Description

Iron Mission State Park Museum tells the story of development in Iron County when in the 1850s, Brigham Young sent Mormon missionaries here to mine and process iron. Museum displays include horse-drawn vehicles used from 1850 to 1920 and a collection of pioneer artifacts. An iron industry exhibit features the only known remaining artifact from the original foundry—the town bell. In addition to the permanent collections, changing special exhibits highlight artists from the local region, as well as rarely seen artifacts from the museum's collections. Other items of interest include several historic cabins, a large collection of horse-drawn farm equipment, and a replicated pioneer household. In addition, Iron Mission now manages the historic ruins of Old Iron Town, an iron foundry west of Cedar City that operated in the 1860s—1870s.

The site offers exhibits, tours, and occasional recreational and educational events.

Fremont Indian State Park and Museum [UT]

Description

Visitors to the Museum can discover artifacts, petroglyphs, and pictographs left behind by the Fremont Indians. During construction of Interstate 70, the largest known Fremont Indian village was uncovered. This museum preserves treasures from the site, including pottery, baskets, and arrowheads.

The site offers a short film, exhibits, tours, workshops, and occasional recreational and educational events.

Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum [UT]

Description

The Museum houses the largest collection of Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) pottery on display in the Four Corners Region and allows visitors to explore an authentic Puebloan village behind the museum. In addition to permanent collections, Edge of the Cedars offers special exhibits, festivals, and events throughout the year. Dynamic exhibits at Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum feature outstanding photography, fine art, current topics in archaeology, and contemporary Native American crafts. Festivals, programs, and special events promote traditional values through storytelling, craft workshops, and an Indian art exhibit.

The site offers exhibits, workshops and classes, and occasional recreational and educational events.

Anasazi State Park Museum [UT]

Description

This ancient village in the heart of Utah's canyon country was one of the largest Ancestral Puebloan communities west of the Colorado River. Now called the Coombs Site, it is believed to have been occupied from AD 1160 to 1235 and may have housed as many as 200 people. Archaeological excavations at the site have revealed more than 100 structures and have produced thousands of artifacts, some of which are on display in the museum. In addition to museum collections, visitors may also explore the Coombs Site, located directly behind the museum.

The site offer exhibits.

Camp Floyd / Stagecoach Inn State Park Museum [UT]

Description

Camp Floyd / Stagecoach Inn State Park Museum is Utah's link with the Civil War. The quiet streets of Fairfield hold the secrets of 3,500 troops, nearly one-third of the entire U.S. Army at that time, which were brought to Camp Floyd to suppress the rumored rebellion in Utah. With no rebellion taking place, the troops were recalled in 1861 with the outbreak of the Civil War. The museum houses a collection of artifacts and documents used by the soldiers of Johnston's Army. Interpretive exhibits display these items along with historic photos, describing the history and activity of Camp Floyd. Visitors can see bullets, currency, uniform insignia, and more. The Stagecoach Inn is fully restored and houses antique furnishing of the time period. The historic Fairfield District Schoolhouse is available for school groups to enjoy an authentic one-room schoolhouse experience. Fairfield School was constructed in 1898 with federal funds received when Utah became a state in 1896.

The site offers exhibits, educational programs, and occasional recreational and educational events (including living history events).

Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum [UT]

Description

Territorial Statehouse in Fillmore is Utah's oldest existing governmental building. In anticipation of Utah's statehood, early pioneer Brigham Young directed construction of the building as the state's capitol. Only the south wing was ever completed. The existing portion was finished in time for the December 1855 meeting of the Territorial Legislature, which was the only full session held in the old statehouse. In December 1858, the seat of government was returned to Salt Lake City. Today, the Statehouse reveals Utah pioneer culture and history, through artifacts and paintings. Two restored pioneer cabins and an 1867 stone schoolhouse are also located on the grounds.

The museum offers exhibits and occasional recreational and educational events.