Porter Rockwell Remembered at the Hutchings Museum in Lehi

By admin | November 2, 2025 |

Nestled in the heart of Lehi, Utah, the Hutchings Museum is far more than a small-town collection of curiosities. Visitors encounter a diverse array of exhibits — from an expansive rock and mineral gallery, to a moving Native American room, a historic jail original to the building, and displays recognizing America’s wars and conflicts. Fossils, taxidermy, and live reptile presentations round out the experience, creating a museum that blends local heritage with hands-on education.

Among these wide-ranging collections, one room stands out for its connection to Utah’s frontier past: the Wild West room, home to a thoughtful and visually engaging exhibit dedicated to Orrin Porter Rockwell.

Inside the Wild West Room: Remembering Porter Rockwell

Rockwell’s exhibit is modest in size but rich in story. The display presents several artifacts that offer tangible ties—though sometimes tenuous—to one of Utah’s most storied figures. Each item is accompanied by interpretive signage that carefully notes the historical claims surrounding it.

Revolver: Reportedly owned by Porter Rockwell, this sidearm reflects the type he is known to have carried as a lawman and bodyguard during the mid-19th century.

Handcuffs: Said to have been made specifically for Rockwell during his pursuit of Bill Hickman, highlighting his complex role in frontier law enforcement.
Rocking Chair: Traditionally believed to have been used by Rockwell, a reminder of the quieter, more domestic side of the famed frontiersman.
Glass Pieces: Two fragments said to have come from Rockwell’s Inn, a historic stop that once served travelers, mail carriers, and soldiers.

A Painting of Place: Rockwell’s Ferry

“Rockwell’s Ferry at Indian Ford on the Jordan River,” a painting by Kurt Gray, depicts the ferry once owned by the Overland Mail Company and supervised by Rockwell during his management of Rockwell’s Station.

The painting deepens the story told in the exhibit, illustrating Rockwell’s role not only as a gunman and lawman, but as a contributor to Utah’s early transportation and communication network.

Outside the Museum: The Protector

“The Protector” Statue: Outside the museum stands this bronze sculpture of Porter Rockwell, portraying him as both guardian and gunslinger — a fitting outdoor companion to the indoor exhibit.

A Destination Worth Visiting

The Hutchings Museum offers a surprisingly rich experience for visitors of all ages. Between the live animal presentations, the hands-on geology rooms, and the frontier artifacts, the museum serves as a bridge between Lehi’s pioneer roots and its modern community identity.

For those interested in the life and legend of Porter Rockwell, the museum provides a grounded, tangible encounter with his world. While some artifacts remain “reported” rather than definitively authenticated, they nonetheless testify to how deeply Rockwell’s memory runs through Utah’s cultural landscape.

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