Commencing on Saturday, April 19, 2008, a team of archaeologists and other scientists joined by members of the Pratt family began opening the probable gravesite of Mormon Apostle Parley P. Pratt who died in Arkansas in 1857. This effort was commenced three years ago by Parley's descendants to fulfill his dying request that he be buried among his family in Utah. For more than a century, the family has attempted to accurately locate his grave. Members of the family came to Arkansas in the 1890s, 1902, 1912, 1837, and the 1940s and 1950s. Since his death, the area surrounding the grave changed hands several times and was at various times a farm, an orchard, a cow pasture, and a Civil War campsite. Using the bests scientific techniques available and following the most accurate historical eyewitness and later accounts, the family located the grave site, and petitioned for and received a court order granting permission to open the grave and exhume the remains if they could be found. Several hundred family members have been involved with this effort and 16 of perhaps 22 surviving great grandchildren signed affidavits requesting the opportunity to exhume his remains. Following strict archaeological protocols, the grave site was excavated. The condition and nature of the grave itself confirmed that the previous scientific investigations had correctly identified the location of and existence of the grave but no specific identifiable human remains were found that had survived the passage of time. The excavation was completed on April 22, 2008 and the grave will be reclosed.

The family initiated and pursued this effort knowing that with the passage of time, the shallowness of the grave, and the soil conditions, there was a possibility that no identifiable remains might be located. Nevertheless, members of the family felt strongly that the effort should be pursued to completion so that family members would know that they had done everything humanly possible to honor Parley's request. Along the way, the family has had the unique opportunity to make contact with many descendants of those who assisted Parley, Eleanor, and his missionary companion, George Higginson, during the events leading up to and surrounding Parley's death and burial. During the last few days, numerous local residents have stopped by to express their interest and support and to share family records and remembrances.

Robert Grow, president of the family organization, stated: "We express our gratitude to all descendants of Parley who supported this effort and to the outstanding archaeological and scientific team and many family members who worked so hard digging at the excavation site. One team member remarked, "After three days of digging in this red clay, I now understand why Arkansans are so tough." This place where Parley P. Pratt is buried and gave his last testimony in defense of the gospel of Jesus Christ will remain forever sacred to the family. Grow also remarked, "We are so thankful for the extraordinary hospitality and kindness that we have felt from so many in this community. We now know that Parley rests among old and new found friends.