A Journey Through Mukuntuweap

Book excerpt: Experience the wonderful beauty of Zion Canyon where the photography depicts a visual image of the canyon, while the story takes the reader on an epic historical journey through the region. The book is broken down into seven chronological chapters: the geological history--describes the numerous rock layers and events, including the Western Interior Seaway, that contributed to creating the Colorado Plateau; the early civilizations--recounts the Native Americans who inhabited the region; the explorers--portrays the expeditions of Dominguez/Escalante and Jedediah Smith parties that traversed Southern Utah; the Mormon settlers--gives an account of Brigham Young leading members from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints west to settle in the Utah Territory; the land survey of 1872--relates the exploration and land survey companies who formed the United States Geological Survey; proclamation for a new valley of wonders--sets forth the details for becoming a national monument; and Zion National Park--sums up becoming a national park from 1919 to present day.