Seagull Monument at the Temple. In 1848, the 2,000 settlers had hopes for a huge harvest to nourish them through the winter. However, a frost and then a drought severely damaged the crops. In addition, a plague of crickets attacked the crops after the drought has passed. However, when all appeared lost, seagulls from the Great Salt Lake flew to the crop area and devoured most of the crickets; the remaining crops were saved.