🇺🇸 How St. George Celebrated the Fourth of July: The Story of a Historic Bass Drum
- Melanee Olsen
- 3 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Long before fireworks filled the night sky, the Fourth of July in St. George began with the boom of a cannon and the unmistakable sound of a bass drum echoing across the valley.
One of the most treasured artifacts at the McQuarrie Memorial Pioneer Museum is this remarkable bass drum—a witness to both early Latter-day Saint history and generations of patriotic celebrations in Southern Utah.
From Nauvoo to St. George
This historic bass drum was commissioned by Joseph Smith in Nauvoo, Illinois, and crafted by Edward P. Duzette for the Nauvoo Brass Band. It played during some of the most significant moments in early Church history, including accompanying the wagon that carried Joseph Smith's body back to Nauvoo following his martyrdom in 1844.
Years later, the drum found a new home in St. George, where it became woven into the fabric of community life. Owned by Fred Riding and later donated to the Museum by his family, the drum continues to tell the story of the people who built Southern Utah.
The Sound That Gathered a Community
In pioneer St. George, this wasn't simply a musical instrument—it was the community's voice.
Each year on Independence Day (July 4)Â and Pioneer Day (July 24), the festivities began at daybreak with the firing of a cannon. Immediately afterward, the martial band marched through town with this bass drum leading the way, announcing that the day's celebrations had begun.
The drum also served many other important purposes. It was sounded for political meetings, to announce the arrival of distinguished visitors, and to alert the community during times of potential danger. Its deep, resonant sound carried throughout the valley.
On Sundays, residents knew that when they heard the drum, they had thirty minutes to arrive for church services—a reminder of how closely music and daily life were intertwined in early St. George.
Music That United Early St. George
The bass drum was only one part of St. George's rich musical heritage. Also preserved at the McQuarrie Memorial Pioneer Museum are three historic snare drums once owned by the City of St. George. Together, these instruments helped provide music for patriotic celebrations, parades, civic gatherings, and community events throughout the pioneer era.
Historic photographs in the Museum further preserve this musical legacy. Among them is an image of the William Henry Thompson Brass Band, photographed around 1891 and believed to be the first band in St. George to perform in matching uniforms. Another photograph features the Dixie DUP Band, whose members continued the community tradition of bringing people together through music for celebrations and public events.
These artifacts remind us that before loudspeakers, recorded music, or public address systems, a brass band was often the heartbeat of a community.
A Tradition Worth Remembering
As we celebrate Independence Day and look ahead to America's 250th anniversary, these artifacts offer a meaningful connection to the traditions of those who came before us.
For the pioneers of St. George, music marked moments of celebration, remembrance, faith, and service. A single drum could announce a holiday, gather neighbors together, welcome honored guests, or call the community in times of need.
Today, visitors can see these remarkable artifacts on display at the McQuarrie Memorial Pioneer Museum and reflect on the enduring role that music has played in bringing communities together for generations.
From all of us at the McQuarrie Memorial Pioneer Museum, we wish you a safe and happy Independence Day!🇺🇸
