In Utah, the first day of September is the start of “Constitution Month” and a celebration of freedom. 

At the state capital, the month is kicked off even before the first, on Aug. 29 with a public celebration. Constitution Day falls during the month on Sept. 17. There are monuments and relics in the state to remember those who fought for independence and were a part of the early years of the country. Here are three Utah monuments that celebrate independence to visit this Constitution Month:

1. Liberty Bell replica at the Utah State Capitol

In 1950, the United States Department of the Treasury gave each state a replica of the Liberty Bell, famous for its significance in symbolizing freedom and independence throughout the country’s history. 

Utah’s replica of the bell can be found on the first floor of the Utah State Capitol building.

2. Daughters of the American Revolution Drinking Fountain Monument

Currently residing in the northeast corner of Liberty Park in Salt Lake City, this drinking fountain was installed much after the American Revolution in November 1905, per the Daughters of the American Revolution. It no longer functions as a water fountain but rather sits in a flower bed, surrounded by a short wall.

The Spirit of Liberty Chapter of the DAR dedicated this as the first monument of the organization in the state. The fountain was presented to the state with the hope that it would be a reminder of the lives lost and serve as a reminder of the efforts to gain the freedom the U.S. has today.

3. Escalante Monument

A year after the start of the Revolutionary War in 1776, Father Silvestre Valez de Escalante and a group came to the Utah Valley while trying to find a route from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Monterey, California. Escalante was the first “white man to look upon this valley,” reads the monument, per the DAR.

Escalante Monument, dedicated in 1922 and placed by the Spirit Liberty Chapter of the DAR, is located in the northeast corner of the Spanish Fork City Park to commemorate the event.