The Snowflake Monument
Justin Fairbanks, sculptor
A new pioneer settlement was begun on July 21,
1878, when William J. Flake and his wives Lucy and
Prudence led five families, their wagons and livestock
into this valley. Lucy Flake described the scene as "a
beautiful place" with "clear water" and "hills covered
with green grass." Within weeks, destitute families
began drifing in. Friends and strangers shared the
small four-room adobe home sold to Flake with the
land, and worked to harvest the crops on the newly
purchased ranch.
This monument portrays a trailside meeting in
September 1878, which resulted in the naming of
Snowflake. William J. Flake and part of his family were
traveling north in a wagon to sell wool and purchase
Utah cattle. (Prudence remained at home for health
reasons.) Near what is now Winslow, they crossed
paths with the carriage of Erastus Snow, a Mormon
leader assigned to direct colonization efforts in
Arizona.
Flake gave an accounting to Elder Snow of failed
attempts to establish settlements along the Little
Colorado River. After enduring much hardship and the
death of a young son, Flake sought a better site
and purchased the cattle ranch on the Silver Creek.
After hearing Flake's report, Elder Snow praised
him for his efforts. He suggested they name the
growing settlement "Snow-Flake," and plans were
made to establish a permanent town. Following their
meeting, Snow and his traveling companions, Ira
Hinckley and Jesse N. Smith, visited Flake's ranch and
helped survey and lay out the townsite.
Though this roadside meeting was brief, it would
impact generations to come. Jesse N. Smith was
called to move his family to Snowflake, where he
served as a prominent church and civic leader for
nearly three decades.
As more pioneers arrived, schools were
established, irrigation systems built, and beautiful
brick homes erected. This monument pays tribute to
each man, woman, and child who sacrificed to build
this community which is endeared in the hearts of
thousands of their descentants throughout the world.
This monument was sponsored by the Snowflake Heritage
Foundation and funded by the generous donations of townspeople
and descendants of the pioneers. It was dedicated on July 21, 2000
by James E. Faust, acting in behalf of LDS Church President
Gordon B. Hinckley, grandson of Ira Hinckley
Jesse N. Smith (standing by carriage), Ira Hinckley (seated in carriage), Lucy Flake holding her daughter Roberta, William J. Flake, and Erastus Snow. Additional person in carriage is L. John Nuttall, historian.
