Bringing Women Back to Pipe Spring: Restoring Leadership to the Narrative
Pipe Spring National Monument is steeped in the history of many cultures, but much of its story remains incomplete. The “Bringing Women Back to Pipe Spring” project, a partnership between Pipe Spring National Monument and the Zion Forever Project, seeks to change that by reclaiming and elevating the vital roles women played in shaping the site.
“Women weren’t just supporting characters at Pipe Spring—they were leaders, innovators, and community builders,” said Valerie Butterfield, Project Lead. “This project ensures their stories take their rightful place in the narrative.”
The project will introduce furnishings and interpretive signage that reflect the lives of the women who ran the fort as a Mormon tithing ranch, operated the Deseret Telegraph, and provided sanctuary to polygamist refugees. Items like grooming tools, purses, and children’s materials will add authenticity, while new displays will highlight women’s ingenuity, resilience, and leadership.
“Where is the monument to the underground women?” asked Herbrt E. Woolley, a former resident of Pipe Spring, whose words highlight the project’s purpose. By weaving women’s stories into the fabric of the monument, this initiative corrects historical oversights and fosters a deeper understanding of their enduring impact.
“This work isn’t just about the past—it’s about inspiring visitors to see the strength and ingenuity that women have always brought to the table,” Butterfield added. With this effort, Pipe Spring invites visitors to not only witness history but also to recognize its relevance today.
