The memorial was dedicated on August 7, 1938, by the Crook County Pioneer Association in grateful remembrance of the heroic early settlers of the Central Oregon Country, whose bravery, intelligence, and industry blazed the trail into the wilderness for advancing civilization and made possible its development. It honors pioneers remembered as courageous in life and vows that they will not be forgotten. The Ochoco Valley was first settled in 1867, and most of the pioneers came from the Willamette Valley. Prineville was first settled in 1871.