A Journey Through Early America: The Evolution of Liberty Village
Liberty Village in Hurricane, Utah, is a 32-acre, immersive living history village and educational campus dedicated to bringing 18th-century American history and the nation's founding principles to life. The project aims to inspire civic-mindedness, patriotism, and a deep appreciation for the Charters of Freedom (the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights), particularly among youth and families. Liberty Village is designed to recreate the look, feel, and atmosphere of the American Revolutionary War era through a blend of traditional historical replica buildings and modern interactive learning tools.
The first Phase Grand Opening of Liberty Village took place on September 13, 2025. The centerpiece of this initial launch was the 13 Colonies Plaza, which features immersive architecture representing each of the original colonies alongside an accurately detailed, full-scale replica of the Liberty Bell. The opening event also highlighted the unveiling of the "Stand Your Ground" Monument—a heroic statue of General Washington on horseback symbolizing patriotic courage—and featured live, costumed historical interpreters and interactive colonial experiences to bring the setting to life.
Phase 2 of Liberty Village marks the next major expansion, shifting the experience into a fully realized colonial environment through historically accurate, full-scale replica buildings. These immersive structures serve as interactive learning spaces that bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Key highlights include meticulous recreations of the Green Dragon Tavern—the Boston meeting place where the Sons of Liberty planned the Boston Tea Party—and the Isaiah Thomas Print Shop, highlighting revolutionary pamphlets and the power of the press. Additionally, the expansion features a replica of the Elizabeth Powel House, exploring the home and political influence of one of early America's most prominent women.
Landmarks & Legends: The Musical Journey of Liberty Village
Over time, the village is planned to feature more than 20 iconic, meticulously recreated historical structures, frequently brought to life by historical reenactors. Many of these landmarks are featured in the music and narration of Journey to Liberty - Washington's Final Testament. Some of the key highlights of the village design include:
-
The Green Dragon Tavern: A recreation of the famous Boston public house known historically as a headquarters for the Freemasons and the Sons of Liberty. (Featured in the song “Do or Die” about Samuel Adams, and the planning location of the Boston Tea Party, which is featured in the song “A Protest.”)
-
Isaiah Thomas Print Shop: A replica honoring the patriotic publisher of The Massachusetts Spy, featuring an operational 18th-century style printing press. (Featured in the song “Back to Golden Pen” about Isaiah Thomas)
-
Elizabeth Powel House: A recreation of the Philadelphia home of one of the Revolutionary era’s most influential political hostesses and intellectuals. (Featured in the song “A Faithful Friend” about Elizabeth Powel)
-
Independence Hall, Monticello, and Mount Vernon: Planned cornerstone structures meant to ground visitors in the physical environments where monumental historical decisions were debated and decided. (Featured in the songs “Man of Courage”, “Beating Heart of Liberty”, "A Rising Sun”, “Ideals That Transcend”, and the complete narrative of “Washington’s Final Testament.”)
-
Valley Forge: A replica honoring the resilience and sacrifice of the Continental Army during the brutal winter encampment, featuring reconstructed log huts and soldier quarters. (Featured in the song “Forged in Ice and Fire”)
-
The Liberty Tree: A replica honoring the historic Boston elm that served as a powerful rallying point for early acts of colonial defiance, featuring a symbolic gathering space for patriots. (Featured in the song “New World”)
-
Old North Bridge and Minute Man Statue: A replica honoring the battles of Lexington and Concord where citizen-soldiers stood their ground and fired the "shot heard 'round the world." (Featured in the song “Questions of the Day”)
-
Living History: The village utilizes live actors, actresses, and educators to portray historical figures, demonstrate early American trades (like blacksmithing and printing), and guide student groups through hands-on colonial experiences. (Reenactors include Benjamin Franklin—featured in the song “Safe From Hangman’s Noose”; John Adams—featured in the song “Terrible Ironies”; Alexander Hamilton—featured in the song “Nation That I Love”; and Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and George Washington—featured in the song “Freedom’s Flame.”)
Finding Liberty Village: The Journey to Liberty
Located at 2250 W. Liberty Way in Hurricane, Utah, the village serves as a major gateway destination for visitors traveling through Southern Utah toward nearby Zion National Park. Admission to the village grounds is free, though fees and availability for specific educational events, field trips, and advanced programming vary.
Even when the buildings close and the reenactors are gone, the public areas remain open to the community 24/7. Visitors can utilize several covered pavilions for picnics and gatherings on their own schedule. To enhance a self-guided visit at any time of day or night, the Journey to Liberty—Washington’s Final Testament "theater of the mind" experience and the free 130-page Discovery Companion can be ordered via a QR code in the window of the John Hancock Mercantile building and downloaded directly to a smartphone. This digital integration supports a flexible, immersive exploration of the facilities, music, and conversational opportunities around the clock.
Learn more about Liberty Village here.
First Phase Grand Opening: September 13, 2025
The Grand Opening of Liberty Village coincided with September 13, 1788—the historic day America’s revolutionary government stepped aside to breathe life into the newly ratified Constitution, initiating the countdown to elect George Washington and launch the American republic.
