With that goal in mind I researched the wide variety of people and methods of travel that came to be known as pioneers. In my study I found that as the skill and methods of travel out west increased, the most common and safe method of travel was to be part of large wagon trains. Within each wagon train a leader was chosen among the pioneers. He was a man with his own trusted mount and he was armed with a rifle and pistols to protect the train from all possible encounters.
Interestingly, an assistant who rode just behind him usually accompanied the trail boss. The assistant would carry a shotgun to guard against close encounter ambushes. Thus the term “riding shotgun” was coined.
The “Pioneer” sculpture then is a representation of this pioneering wagon train leader they often called the trail boss. Finally, A fitting symbol or school mascot for Lehi High School.
