The Crossroads of the West

The Final Placement in Utah:

While the concept was very well received in San Diego among selected leaders, California’s land authorities conceded little traction. About the same time the SORF concluded that it would likely take them decades in California just to get the permits to begin building, Utah’s governor was announcing what he’d like to see at the former prison grounds in Draper, Utah. He wanted something iconic, like the Seattle Space Needle, the Eiffel Tower. People in Utah who knew Gary and Leesa and had been following their story told Cox, “You need the Statue of Responsibility.” 

Gary and Leesa were contacted later on by certain officials inquiring about their possible interest in re-locating the Statue to Utah. Governor Cox became so impassioned with the idea that he subsequently walked into the middle of the Point of the Mountain State Land Authority’s November 2023 meeting, where Gary, Leesa and the SoRF Board were making their initial presentation. Governor Cox asked to say a few words, which moved everyone in the room.“

“We used to be a nation of architects and now we’re a nation of arsonists,” Cox said. “We destroy, we tear down, and there’s so little left to inspire us. I believe Utah is still a state of architects, a state of builders. I still believe that we believe in big things. I can think of no other emblem that better represents who we are as a people in this state than the Statue of Responsibility. This is our opportunity to leave a legacy not just to our children and grandchildren, but to the entire nation. You have, I think, a unique opportunity, singular in the history of our great state, to do something big. To do something monumental, literally, to change the face of this place and the world forever, and I hope that we will take that opportunity.”