David H. Cannon — The Cannon Pile Driver and the Temple Foundation

During the construction of the St. George Temple, the pioneers faced a significant obstacle: the ground was swampy and unstable, threatening the foundation of the heavy stone structure. To solve this, they utilized an old Mexican War cannon, which they filled with lead and rigged as a makeshift pile driver to pack volcanic rock into the earth. David H. Cannon was a key figure in the St. George settlement and later served as the Temple President for decades. This inspired use of the cannon is regarded in local history as a remarkable providence that allowed the Saints to overcome environmental barriers and complete the first temple in the Utah Territory.