Idaho Falls Honors Pioneer Rebecca Brown Mitchell with Bronze Statue

A new 7-foot bronze statue in Heritage Park will commemorate the life and contributions of a forgotten 19th century trailblazer.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:03pm

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A vibrant, silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeated image of a bronze statue of a woman holding a shovel, rendered in a bold, pop art-inspired color palette.A bold, colorful tribute to a pioneering woman who helped shape the early history of Idaho Falls.Idaho Falls Today

In the heart of Idaho Falls, a passionate community initiative called the Rebecca Mitchell Project is bringing to life a bronze statue that will honor the legacy of Rebecca Brown Mitchell, a 48-year-old Baptist woman who arrived in Eagle Rock (now Idaho Falls) in the late 1800s with little more than her clothes and a few belongings. The statue, set to be installed in the city's new Heritage Park, will depict Mitchell holding a shovel, symbolizing her role as a 'groundbreaker' in the development of the city.

Why it matters

The Rebecca Mitchell Project aims to highlight the often-overlooked contributions of women in the history of Idaho Falls. Mitchell's story challenges assumptions about the role of women in the early days of the city, revealing her as not only a builder but also a champion for women's suffrage. By immortalizing her in bronze, the community hopes to foster a greater appreciation and celebration of its past.

The details

The 7-foot bronze statue is being created by renowned sculptor Irene Juliette Deely, whose previous works include a bronze statue near the Idaho Capitol building in Boise and a sculpture of Abraham Lincoln. The statue will be placed in Heritage Park, a new development near Snake River Landing that aims to commemorate the heritage of Eagle Rock and Idaho Falls. The project has gained momentum through a community fundraising effort, with about a fifth of the $150,000 goal raised so far.

  • The Rebecca Mitchell Project was launched in 2026.
  • The statue is expected to be installed in Heritage Park later this year.

The players

Rebecca Brown Mitchell

A 48-year-old Baptist woman who arrived in Eagle Rock (now Idaho Falls) in the late 19th century with little more than her clothes and a few belongings, and went on to become an active participant in the women's suffrage movement and a 'groundbreaker' in the development of the city.

Irene Juliette Deely

A renowned sculptor in Idaho, known for her bronze statues including one near the Idaho Capitol building in Boise and a sculpture of Abraham Lincoln. Deely is creating the 7-foot bronze statue of Rebecca Brown Mitchell for the project.

Heritage Park

A new development in Idaho Falls that aims to commemorate the heritage of Eagle Rock and Idaho Falls. The Rebecca Brown Mitchell statue will be installed in this park.

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What they’re saying

“This statue is not just about honoring a historical figure; it's about recognizing the groundbreakers who paved the way for the city's development.”

— Author

What’s next

The Rebecca Mitchell Project is currently in the fundraising stage, with about a fifth of the $150,000 goal raised so far. The statue is expected to be installed in Heritage Park later this year.

The takeaway

The Rebecca Mitchell Project is a testament to the community's desire to honor and celebrate its history. By immortalizing the story of a forgotten pioneer, the project aims to foster a greater appreciation for the contributions of women in the early development of Idaho Falls. This initiative serves as a model for how communities can bring history to life in a tangible and meaningful way.