Archives West Finding Aid

The Lloyd M. Pierson papers (1998) consist of a twenty-four-page typescript of Pierson's reminiscences of his participation in an archaeological survey trip through Glen Canyon, prior to the filling of Lake Powell. The trip was conducted as a joint project of the National Park Service and the University of Utah's Department of Anthropology, under the direction of Jesse D. Jennings. Describing the canyon as "a lonely uninhabited place of wonder and beauty," Pierson is critical of the construction of Glen Canyon Dam. He recounts the events leading up to his participation in the survey and provides information on fellow travelers, daily activities, archaeological sites, and the flora and fauna encountered along the way. He also tells of his experiences and impressions at Music Temple, Rainbow Bridge, the Hole-in-the-Rock Trail, and the dam site, then under construction.