Garden City Unveils Bear Lake Monster Roadside Marker, Celebrating Local Legend with USU Folklore Program's Efforts

Bear Lake Boulevard in Garden City, Utah, has welcomed a new resident that's neither human nor animal but steeped in local lore. A "Legends & Lore" roadside marker, detailing the legend of the Bear Lake Monster, has been installed, the culmination of a project led by Utah State University students and faculty. According to USU Today, the Bear Lake Monster's myth, with Indigenous roots and 19th-century newspaper flair, is now anchored in the local landscape through this sign.

The initiative was driven by Melissa Anderson Asay, a USU Folklore master's student, who, under the guidance of English Professor Jeannie Thomas, navigated several bureaucratic hurdles to make the marker a reality. As reported by USU Today, Asay's efforts included "city approvals, property negotiations, and historical archives." The project not only celebrates the Bear Lake Monster myth but also demonstrates the potential impact of academic pursuits on the preservation of local traditions.

The history of the monster dates back to Indigenous stories, with a significant increase in popularity following a letter written to the Deseret News by Joseph C. Rich in 1868. Despite Rich later admitting the story was a fabrication, the legend has continued to be a key feature of local culture, with the last sighting reported in 2002, according to Wikipedia. On April 25, the marker was unveiled with funding from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, celebrating the tale for both locals and visitors.

Community members such as Brad Davis and Jayne Hodges were instrumental in securing a public space for the marker, noted USU Today, stating "the Bear Lake Monster is just kind of one of those things that everybody talks about," which now sits conveniently along a community bike path. The project represents the first in a series of Utah's cultural history celebrations planned by Thomas and her students as part of the "Legends & Lore" program sponsored by the Pomeroy Foundation.

Thomas highlighted the academic and civic importance of these markers, pointing out the mutual benefits for the community and the students involved. She emphasized how "the ideas and principles students learn make the world outside the classroom better," as obtained by USU Today. Amidst the practical learning experience, the project also offers a bridge between folklore studies and the tangible recognition of local legends, providing students the opportunity to influence how cultural narratives are preserved and experienced.