Tragedy at Winter Quarters - 1936

This heroic two-figure statue was created by Avard T. Fairbanks in 1936 while serving as Professor of Sculpture at the University of Michigan.  It commemorates the tragic Winter of 1846-47 for the Mormon Pioneers at Omaha, Nebraska.  Many of the Mormon Pioneers perished at Winter Quarters before their overland trek began for a new home in the Rocky Mountains. 

It is a sorrowful statue depicting the tragedy with a pioneer man and his wife; in his right hand he holds a shovel, and in front of them is the shallow grave containing the remains of their deceased infant child.  It is erected centrally in the park with a plaque in front of it with many of the names of Pioneers who died at Winter Quarters.
 
This artwork is not reproducible, it is not for sale.  We are showing this U.S. historical artwork of Avard T. Fairbanks as a gallery exbibit.