Howard Russell Butler, Mountains of the Sun, 1926. Museum Catalog No. ZION 14586.

The Union Pacific Railroad commissioned this large oil painting from impressionist Howard Russell Butler to promote the scenic marvels of the Colorado Plateau. Union Pacific ran the concessions in Zion, including the Zion Lodge, and operated train services to the area from around the country. Butler created nine large panels in total—seven of Zion and two of Bryce Canyon. His paintings reached potential customers of Union Pacific’s transportation and accommodation services as part of a traveling exhibit. Artworks such as this generated interest in the landscapes of the area and helped promote tourism to Zion and the surrounding region.