Death Valley Days season 1 episode 16 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

In 1861, Wilhelmina Cannon struggles to adjust to pioneer life after moving to a new Mormon colony in Southern Utah with her husband, David. Despite the hardships and her longing for Boston, Wilhelmina's perspective changes when David injures himself obtaining Sego Lilies, a symbol of the land's hidden beauty. Their story concludes with the legacy of their contributions to the colony, now flourishing, and the Sego Lily as Utah's state flower, representing the beauty Wilhelmina eventually came to see in their new home.

Full Episode S01E16 Recap

### Arrival in Salt Lake City - Wilhelmina Cannon, new to Salt Lake City from Boston, discusses life in the Mormon community with Sister Sarah. - They talk about the differences in their upbringing and the challenges of pioneer life. ### The Call to St. George - David Cannon, Wilhelmina's husband, reveals they've been called to establish a new colony in Southern Utah, part of the Dixie Mission. - Despite Wilhelmina's reluctance, due to the recent establishment of their home and their newborn baby, David emphasizes the importance of their mission. ### Journey to St. George - The Cannons, along with other families, endure a six-week journey to the Virgin River Valley, the site chosen for the new Dixie Mission. - Upon arrival, they participate in lot drawing for home sites, securing a promising location near the river. ### Building a New Home - Facing the harsh wilderness, the pioneers start building their homes and community infrastructure, with David constructing a temporary shelter for his family. - Wilhelmina struggles with the barrenness and isolation of the new settlement, longing for the beauty and culture of her past life. ### Life in St. George - Despite the community's progress, Wilhelmina remains unhappy, finding the red soil and rugged landscape unappealing compared to her memories of Boston. - David tries to comfort her by planning to build bookshelves and promising a future return to Salt Lake City, but Wilhelmina's dissatisfaction grows. ### Decision to Leave - Unable to adapt, Wilhelmina decides to return to Salt Lake City with her baby, arranging a departure with a local wagon driver, Nephi. - Sister Sarah attempts to dissuade her, highlighting the collective hardships and sacrifices of the pioneers, but Wilhelmina is resolute. ### Accident and Revelation - David suffers an accident while trying to find something beautiful in the harsh landscape for Wilhelmina, injuring himself but finding Sego Lilies. - The lilies symbolize the beauty and potential of the land, changing Wilhelmina's perspective and reaffirming her commitment to their life in St. George. ### Legacy - The narrative concludes with the legacy of David and Wilhelmina Cannon, noting the Sego Lily's significance as Utah's state flower and the enduring beauty of the land they helped pioneer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Wilhelmina Cannon?

Wilhelmina Cannon is a newcomer to Salt Lake City from Boston, who struggles with adapting to pioneer life after moving to a new colony in Southern Utah.

What is the Dixie Mission?

The Dixie Mission is an initiative by Brigham Young to establish a new colony in Southern Utah to grow cotton and sugar, due to the Civil War cutting off regular sources.

How do David and Wilhelmina Cannon contribute to the new colony?

They are among the 300 families chosen to move and help establish the new colony in St. George, with David planning to farm cotton and sugar.

What challenges does Wilhelmina face in the new settlement?

Wilhelmina struggles with the wilderness, isolation, and barren landscape of St. George, missing the beauty and culture of her past life in Boston.

How does the community in St. George begin to transform the wilderness?

The pioneers work diligently to build homes, grub land, dig irrigation ditches, and establish crops, gradually transforming the wilderness into a livable community.

Why does Wilhelmina decide to leave St. George?

Overwhelmed by the hardships and unable to see the beauty in the landscape, Wilhelmina decides to return to Salt Lake City for a life she finds more bearable.

How does David Cannon try to change Wilhelmina's perspective on their new home?

After an accident while seeking something beautiful in the landscape for Wilhelmina, David presents her with Sego Lilies, symbolizing the beauty and potential of the land.

What is the significance of the Sego Lily?

The Sego Lily, which David finds for Wilhelmina, becomes a symbol of hope and beauty in the harsh landscape, and is now the official state flower of Utah.

What legacy do David and Wilhelmina leave in St. George?

They are remembered for their pioneering spirit and contribution to establishing the colony. Wilhelmina, in particular, is remembered for her eventual appreciation of the land's beauty.

Death Valley Days season 1 episode 16

Sego Lilies