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In 1997 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
celebrated
the sesquicentennial of the Mormon Pioneers' westward migration. One of the most dramatic
events of the celebration started in April when a group of adventurous travelers began a
journey that would take them three months to complete--a reenactment of the
Mormon's westward movement..
Artist Pamela Carter and members of her family joined the group in Wyoming and traveled with them for several days. She recorded her experience in water color, and shares her pictures with us. She tells us about the trip, its purpose, and her experience here below, and offers prints of her watercolors at a phenomenal price. See below to view paintings. |
The Artist's Account
"Before the linking of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, nearly 70,000 Mormon emigrants crossed the plains by wagon and handcart. An estimated 6,000 died along the way, almost all buried in unmarked graves. 1997 marked the sesquicentennial celebration with a reenactment of the journey from Winter quarters, Nebraska to the Salt Lake Valley. Participants were encouraged to dress in costume and live the life of the pioneer 150 years ago as they traveled by covered wagon, pulled a handcart, rode a horse, or walked.
"The pioneers followed a trail which paralleled the Oregon Trail. Availability of water was essential not only for the travelers but for their livestock. The Oregon Trail was routed around water sources such as the Platte River which flowed through two states.
"I joined the reenactment about six weeks into the journey in Wyoming. I stayed with the "pioneers" for three campsites: Fort Casper, Willow Springs, and Independence Rock. For the most part, the areas were desolate, with the ground covered with sage brush. There were no trees for campfires, shelter from the intense sun, or repairs on wagons.
"It was a country inhabited by rattlesnakes, jackrabbits, antelope, and ticks. The sunrises and sunsets were spectacular. Each day was hot, windy, and punctuated with summer showers. The trails were bumpy and dusty. The journey gave me an appreciation for nature, the comforts of our modern day, and an admiration for the thousands of pioneers whose faith and courage sent them across the plains of our country.
"Upon returning home I had the desire to somehow capture the spirit of the journey. It had been an emotional journey into the soul of the pioneer. I could think of nothing else until I poured out my feelings onto the art paper. I can now look back with pleasure that I have some bit of a powerful moment in time."
----Pamela Carter
How to View the Prints
Mrs. Carter's prints are shown here on linked pages which can be accessed below. Her gallery display divided them into three sections, and I have used that organization here as well, partly in deference to her, but also to make loading faster. Click on the sample thumbnails here below, each of which will take you to another page where all the pictures can be accessed in turn. Take the time to see them all; you'll be glad you did.
Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy scenes from the...
Click on thumbnails to move to category pages.
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More Paintings
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Pam has other prints of her paintings for sale also. on the thumbnail to see a selection. |
Prints are available for purchase ($25.00 for the print alone, $30:00 - $35.00 matted).
Click Here for ordering information.
Pam's Home Page | Order | Camp | Wagon Train | Handcarts | More Paintings | Email
All pictures used with the permission of the artist, Pamela Carter.