The Seagull Monument on Temple Square commemorates the 1848 event when Latter-day Saint pioneers faced the loss of their crops to swarms of crickets. As the settlers prayed for help, flocks of seagulls came from the nearby Great Salt Lake and consumed the insects, preserving the harvest and providing hope in a time of great need.

For the pioneers, this experience was more than a coincidence; it was seen as an answer to prayer and a sign of God’s love.

Dedicated in 1913, the Seagull Monument was the first monument in the United States erected to honor a bird. For many visitors, it stands as a symbol of faith, gratitude, and trust in God’s care.