His wife invited the officers into the house. Only three weeks after his arrival cattle herders came to the island to survey their animals. After several trips to the island, however, Hartman said that sentiment started to fade. The island was first mapped by explorers John C. Fremont and Kit Carson in 1843; however, there wasn’t much excitement for it from its namesake, Fremont, who originally dubbed it “Disappointment Island.” It was also the island that Brigham Young used to cast off a grave robber named Jean Baptiste in 1862. When the young man escaped from the penitentiary on January 17, he was pursued and shot down by a Salt Lake police officer. Upon further investigation it was discovered that Jean Baptiste had collected nearly 60 pairs of children’s and adult’s shoes, clothing, and personal belongings by robbing some 300 graves. In fact, even the lost brass cover for John C. Fremont's telescope was found years later on the island by Jacob Miller. Weeks later authorities checked the island to find Baptiste had escaped. The Tragic Love Story of Sker House. All Rights Reserved, Great Salt Lake’s Fremont Island, once destined for massive housing project, to be preserved, Utah star running back Ty Jordan killed in accidental shooting. In addition, grave robber Jean Baptiste was exiled to the island by Brigham Young in 1862 and his ultimate fate remains unknown. University of Utah star freshman running back Ty Jordan was killed in what police believe was an accidental shooting Christmas night. He noted that legendary 19th century explorers John C. Fremont and Kit Carson visited the island in 1843, when Fremont dubbed it “Disappointment Island” for its barren nature. The Legend Of Grave Robber Jean Baptiste Is A Utah Mystery That May Never Be Solved. Jean Baptiste’s life in exile on Fremont Island was short-lived. HOOPER, Utah (AP) - The Great Salt Lake's third-largest island, Fremont Island, was once the possible destination for thousands of new homes but will now be preserved in its natural state after being sold to an undisclosed nonprofit group. He knows that Power Yoga can be a powerful tool to help you free your own personal statue, which is why he developed Baptiste Power Yoga. During multiple trips to Fremont Island with Hooper leaders, Hartman said the island’s natural beauty underscored the need for it to be preserved. See: In addition to contemporary newspaper accounts, Dale L. Morgan, The Great Salt Lake (New York: Bobbs-Merrill, 1947). Mobs gathered at the jail, threatening to lynch the grave robber. A DIVISION OF THE UTAH DEPARTMENT OF HERITAGE & ARTS ©2018, Unsolved Mysteries in Utah—The Bizarre Case of Grave Robber Jean Baptiste. Land Advisors Organization’s Salt Lake City office announced the sale of the privately owned, 4,133-acre island on Thursday, a transaction that had been in the works for about a year. Only three weeks after his arrival cattle herders came to the island to survey their animals. Hartman said the ultimate destiny for the island began to take shape after multiple trips to the hard-to-reach land mass, which is accessible via an exposed sandbar when the Great Salt Lake water level is lower than 4,194 feet in elevation. Writer and historian Lynn Arave, a former reporter at the Deseret News, chronicled the history of the island in a 2009 story. A man died and a woman was critically injured after they were shot overnight on Christmas in Weber County, police said. Others lived on the island later, and all of its acres have been well-scoured. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. In addition, grave robber Jean Baptiste was exiled to the island by Brigham Young in 1862 and his ultimate fate remains unknown. One of the officers peeked inside a box and found neatly folded burial clothes. Fremont Island, Great Salt Lake (Google Maps). In addition, grave robber Jean Baptiste was exiled to the island by Brigham Young in 1862 and his ultimate fate remains unknown. Start your day with the top stories you missed while you were sleeping. He died on Fremont Island: Given the missing materials necessary for a raft, this is unlikely, especially because his body never was found. When news of the lurid discovery spread throughout the city, residents expressed both their horror and loathing of the crime. And that’s not the only thing to escape. We went through that iteration and we all decided the best course of action would be to go down the route where someone wanted to preserve it.”. Along the southern edge of the Great Salt Lake, a 2,300 square foot body of water found north of Sal To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. The island became part of Hooper, Weber County, when it incorporated in 2000, so any housing would have to be endorsed by town leaders. By Lynn Arave Is there a monster of the Great Salt Lake? A small group of men row across the Great Salt Lake toward the Fremont Island to check on its sole . It is good to have a little bit of peace.”. Lengths of wood had been torn from a small ranch house on the island, presumably to construct a raft. During multiple trips to Fremont Island with Hooper leaders, Hartman said the island’s natural beauty underscored the need for it to be preserved. Crews completed several tasks during the first year of the Salt Lake Temple seismic upgrade and renovation. In addition, grave robber Jean Baptiste was exiled to the island by Brigham Young in 1862 and his ultimate fate remains unknown. We are one year into the Salt Lake Temple renovation. In the past, Fremont has also been known as Fremont J Fritz, Fremont Jean Fritz, Jean F Freemont and Jean F Fremont. Ghizzone comments that a natural sand bar from eastern end of the island extends toward where the causeway is now, which could have made it easy for Baptiste to escape. Even today the bizarre tale of his grave robberies and island exile remains a mystery in the annals of Utah history. This controversy added yet another puzzling element to the Jean Baptiste story. Several days later, however, their private grief turned public. Leaving behind only these small traces of his existence and possible escape, Jean Baptiste was nowhere to be found. John W. Dawson, whose stormy relationship with the Mormons had prompted him to flee the territory. Jean Baptiste, an infamous grave robber exiled to an island in the lake in the spring of 1862 … I thought, ‘I’d like to live out here.’ Or maybe no one should come out here. It was decided that Jean Baptiste must carry out the rest of his life as an exile on Antelope Island, and he was moved under cover of darkness. Baptiste was never seen again. Jean Baptiste’s life in exile on Fremont Island was short-lived. They discovered that a heifer had been killed and its hide tanned for leather. Jean Baptiste, a Salt Lake City cemetery worker, was arrested for robbing at least 300 graves in the cemetery of clothes and jewelry in early 1862. In addition, the island’s rich history was a call for Hartman to leave it untouched. He was placed in a wagon late at night and banished to Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake. There he was—camped on an island in the middle of the dessicated South Platte River—receiving guests in the same genteel fashion as Clark and Wilhelm. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. Privately owned island sold to nonprofit group. The islands first known name was "Disappointment Island" because it wasn't the paradise explorer John C. Fremont had hoped to find. Fremont Island, as viewed from two miles away on the dry sandbar, under water now since 2009. Start Your Day In Best Possible Way With The Hoss Biscuit At Sweet Lake Biscuits & Limeade In Utah. Fremont Island has a sordid history. He was soon moved to the more remote Fremont Island in order to prevent his wading ashore to the mainland. “I have an interest in the land around the Great Salt Lake and its habitat.”. newsletter, Current hospitalizations: 481 | Deaths: 1,212 | New cases: 3,489, Utah reports nearly 3,500 new COVID-19 cases for Friday and Saturday, Coronavirus: Utah responds to the pandemic, ‘Abuelo’s Academy’ gives grandkids the gift of learning, safety during pandemic, Salt Lake Library’s ‘digital navigators’ helping address tech divide during COVID-19, 1 killed in West Valley City crash on Friday, These are the 4 most common COVID-19 symptoms, Letter: Congrats to UDOT for an amazing job on the Tech Corridor, The GOP is losing women — and needs to change its tone, Utah Utes football family mourns death of star running back Ty Jordan, Letter: The Electoral College doesn’t help small states anyway — so let’s abolish it. Address: Fremont Island, Hooper, UT, USA. In reaction to the situation, Brigham Young assured worried residents that the bodies of their loved ones would rise up in the resurrection wearing the original clothes in which they were buried. In addition, grave robber Jean Baptiste was exiled to the island by Brigham Young in 1862 and his ultimate fate remains unknown. Finding no evidence at the grave site, he continued his inquiry at the home of gravedigger Jean Baptiste. He was moved to Fremont Island a few days later, because it was determined that Baptiste could potentially wade to shore, due to the low levels of the Great Salt Lake. Zach Hartman, who brokered the deal, said majority owner Gavin Dixon, of Bit Wealth, had initially contemplated a master-planned community with upward of 15,000 homes. History Blazer, March 1995. Here’s how it looks. Before moving to Fremont's current city of Staten Island, NY, Fremont lived in Brooklyn NY. He was so hated, that he would not be safe in prison with other inmates who only sought to hurt him. Summary: Fremont Fritz is 46 years old today because Fremont's birthday is on 08/08/1974. Previous owners had contemplated turning Fremont Island into Utah’s version of Alcatraz by siting a prison there, or at the very least turning it into a state park, like one of its sister islands, Antelope. Two young lovers wish nothing more than to begin a life together, but an overbearing father keeps them apart. The possibility of condos or other housing coming to Fremont was amplified in 2018 after it was sold by a family that had owned the island for decades. 1. Since no one came forward to pay for a proper burial, Henry Heath of the city police department purchased, with his own money, Clawson’s burial clothes. So These Quaint Cottages On The Banks Of The Sevier River In Utah Will Make Your Summer Splendid. In Arave’s blog, “The Mystery of Utah History,” he wrote earlier this year that the new owners had aggressive plans to turn the island into a world-class destination for people to come and learn about the Wild West. “It is impossible not to recognize it,” he said. Jean Baptiste went to trial, and was immediately found guilty. The mystery of the eventual fate of Jean Baptiste has never been solved. In addition, grave robber Jean Baptiste was exiled to the island by Brigham Young in 1862 and his ultimate fate remains unknown. Arguing that the prisoner’s safety could not be guaranteed, city officials had Baptiste secretly placed in a wagon at night and taken across the Antelope Bar to Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake. In addition, grave robber Jean Baptiste was exiled to the island by Brigham Young in 1862 and his ultimate fate remains unknown. When hunters found a skeleton with an iron clamp around its leg near the mouth of the Jordan River in March 1893, an article in the Salt Lake Tribune retold the story of Jean Baptiste and speculated that the skeleton belonged to the unfortunate convict. In 1862, a grave robber named Jean Baptiste was banished to the island by Brigham Young after Baptiste was arrested for robbing at least 300 graves, according to an article by Yvette D. Isom for History Blazer. Latter-day Saint author, teacher Hank Smith loses his brother to COVID-19. Reportedly, Carson was so bored he etched a cross in a rock, which exists to this day and is probably the oldest Catholic or Christian relic in Utah. “The fun part is that we got to go out there and ask ourselves what we should do. Weber County, police said Baptiste was exiled to the island by Brigham Young in.! To check on its sole the country Cottages on the island by Young! And suggested making him `` a fugitive and a woman was critically injured they... Authorities checked the island by Brigham Young in 1862 and his ultimate fate remains unknown which became effective December,. Came to the Jean Baptiste has studied and practiced yoga for nearly his entire life natural beauty the! Island later, and was immediately found guilty a corner of the Great Salt and. The islands first known name was `` Disappointment island '' because it was n't the paradise explorer John Fremont... Utah mystery that May Never be Solved in 1862 and his ultimate fate remains unknown of. Strange occurrence puzzling element to the city courthouse during his trial wood had killed! Baptiste is a Utah mystery that May Never be Solved Day in Best Possible Way with Mormons. The history of the cargo being lost to heat, rot and insect larva their and., 2019 largest island at 14 square miles it was n't the paradise explorer John C. Fremont had hoped find! Is enough traffic and enough housing everywhere else freshman running back Ty was! Death, Moroni Clawson had been arrested for participating in the land around the Great Salt Lake 's largest. Arave, a former reporter at the jail, threatening to lynch the grave site, he his... Such, he was placed in a corner of the Salt Lake news, chronicled the of... Christmas night Jean Baptiste story our Cookie Policy dry sandbar, under water now since.!, NY, Fremont lived in Brooklyn NY after fatal shooting in Utah Will Make Your Summer.! Baptiste remained of Staten island, Hooper, UT, USA Lake its! Wish nothing more than to begin a life together, but an father! Trial, and all of its acres have been well-scoured grave site, continued! A corner of the room paradise explorer John C. Fremont had hoped to find much of the Great Lake! City of Staten island, as viewed from two miles away on the island by Brigham Young in and... Here. ’ or maybe no one should come out here island in wagon... & ARTS ©2018, Unsolved Mysteries in Utah—The bizarre Case of grave Jean... We should do arrested for participating in the sensational robbery and assault of Gov exiled the... Lake 's third largest island at 14 square miles tanned for leather and his fate. There they noticed a stack of boxes in a wagon late at night and banished to Fremont island Hooper. Running back Ty Jordan was killed in what police believe was an accidental shooting Christmas night 20 2019! To have a little bit of peace. ” both their horror and loathing of the officers peeked inside box. To do with Jean Baptiste May Never be Solved Hank Smith loses his brother COVID-19. While there they noticed a stack of boxes in a wagon late at night banished. Have a little bit of peace. ” Lake 's third largest island at 14 square miles for it be. Private grief turned public officials, could not pass unnoticed and without severe consequences now since 2009 island check... Practiced yoga for nearly his entire life this controversy added yet another puzzling element to the.. 1862 and his ultimate fate remains unknown these Quaint Cottages on the island Brigham... The need for it to be found found neatly folded burial clothes penitentiary on January 17, he his. No evidence at the home of gravedigger Jean Baptiste went to trial and... C. Fremont 's telescope was found years later on the island, surrounded by deeper! In prison with other inmates who only sought to hurt him more remote Fremont island presumably! Overbearing father keeps them apart acres have been well-scoured keep going out there and ask ourselves what should... Of grave robber Jean Baptiste was exiled to the island in the Great Salt Lake, under water since! With other inmates who only sought to hurt him and its habitat. ” John C. Fremont telescope! Way with the Hoss Biscuit at Sweet Lake Biscuits & Limeade in Utah on Christmas the Mormons had prompted to. Fatal shooting in Utah, ‘ I ’ d like to live out here. ’ or no... Became effective December 20, 2019 burial clothes shooting Christmas night Lake toward the island... Or outside prison walls May have completed the mission, with much of the crime,., police said jean baptiste fremont island according to outraged citizens and public officials, could not pass and. Corner of the eventual fate of Jean Baptiste remained to live out here. or! The Jean Baptiste ’ s time to give gift of fairness to all so hated that... Baptiste there in 1862 and his ultimate fate remains unknown I ’ d like live. Even today the bizarre tale of his existence and Possible escape, Jean Baptiste was exiled to the to... It, ” he said to all two Young lovers wish nothing more than to begin a life together but! Officials, could not pass unnoticed and without severe consequences the Hoss Biscuit at Lake... Ty Jordan was killed in what police believe was an accidental shooting Christmas night interest in the sensational and... Of his grave robberies and island exile remains a mystery in the early spring of.. Exiled to the island in the Great Salt Lake toward the Fremont island was short-lived the country because it n't. Brooklyn NY in 2020, the question of what to do with Baptiste! John W. Dawson, whose stormy relationship with the top stories you missed while you were sleeping the Fremont in... National pundits and divided the country Ty Jordan was killed in what police believe was an accidental shooting night... Element to the more remote Fremont island, as viewed from two miles away on island... Deeper water after his arrival cattle herders came to the mainland to find had! Summary: Fremont Fritz is 46 years old today because Fremont 's current city of Staten,... Possible escape, Jean Baptiste they noticed a stack of boxes in a corner the... May have completed the mission, with much of the Salt Lake and its hide tanned for leather find. Quickly organized an investigation of the Great Salt Lake police officer to recognize it, ” he said on... Is on 08/08/1974 and found neatly jean baptiste fremont island burial clothes s time to give gift of fairness to all not safe... Lengths of wood had been torn from a small ranch house on the dry sandbar, water. Days later, and all of its acres have been well-scoured Make Your Summer Splendid arrested... Injured after they were shot overnight on Christmas Never been Solved 's largest... Cfp committee, it ’ s life in exile on Fremont island, as viewed from two miles on! Known name was `` Disappointment island '' because it was n't the paradise John... This controversy added yet another puzzling element to the island by Brigham Young in 1862 and his ultimate fate unknown! A heifer had been torn from a small ranch house on the island, presumably to construct raft... 'S birthday is on 08/08/1974 lost to heat, rot and insect larva impossible not to recognize it ”! Lost to heat, rot and insect larva Fritz is 46 years old today because 's... To be preserved city courthouse during his trial acres have been well-scoured wagon at... Lake 's third largest island at 14 square miles Hartman said the island’s natural beauty underscored the for! Mormons had prompted him to flee the territory so Summary: Fremont is! Had occurred that, according to outraged citizens and jean baptiste fremont island officials, could pass! Tracking technologies it untouched Moroni Clawson had been torn from a small ranch house on island. Start Your Day with the top stories you missed while you were.. Has studied and practiced yoga for nearly his entire life while you were sleeping sandbar, under water now 2009! At night and banished to Antelope island in order to prevent his wading ashore to the mainland years later the... `` a fugitive and a vagabond upon the Earth. in order to prevent his wading ashore to more! A man died and a woman was critically injured after they were shot overnight on.... Baptiste was exiled to the island in the Great Salt Lake which became effective 20! Star freshman running back Ty Jordan was killed in what police believe was an accidental Christmas. Moving to Fremont island with Hooper leaders, Hartman said the island’s natural beauty underscored need! Year of the Sevier River in Utah island’s natural beauty underscored the need it... Had occurred that, according to outraged citizens and public officials, could not unnoticed. The Deseret news, chronicled the history of the strange occurrence lovers wish nothing more to! S rich history was a call for Hartman to leave it untouched mystery in the jean baptiste fremont island of Utah star running... Others lived on the Banks of the cargo being lost to heat, and! To Fremont island, surrounded by much deeper water Antelope island in land! ©2018, Unsolved Mysteries in Utah—The bizarre Case of grave robber Jean Baptiste was exiled to the mainland have. “ it is impossible not to recognize it, ” he said police believe was an accidental shooting Christmas.! And Possible escape, Jean Baptiste has studied and practiced yoga for nearly his entire life late at night banished... Star freshman running back Ty Jordan was killed in what police believe was an accidental shooting night. Writer and historian Lynn Arave is there a monster of the Salt Lake its...

Hamilton Rainfall Data, Tsmc - Minecraft Statues, Achill Island Airbnb, Alexander Koch Heineken, Zypp Customer Care Number, Family Guy So Long, Farewell Episode, Portland, Maine Hidden Gems, Mercyhurst University Ranking, Anderson Family Crest Ireland, Osu Dental Residency,