The History of Emigration Canyon: Gateway to Salt Lake ValleyEmigration Canyon is well known in Utah as the route by which pioneers, in 1847, reached Great Salt Lake Valley to establish the states first lasting Euro American settlements. Before and after 1847 the canyon had an interesting history, which included the Donner Reed party, the Pony Express and Overland Stage, mining and sheep herding, a narrow gauge railroad, a major resort, a brewery, and the transformation of recreation areas and cabin sites into