Salt Lake City Historic Sites

Historic Sites

The Beehive House

The Beehive house was constructed in 1854, as a home for Brigham Young, territorial governor and second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Beehive House served as the executive mansion of the Territory of Utah from 1852 to 1855 and was Brigham Young's official residence where he entertained important guests. The house is located on South Temple Street, one block east of the Salt Lake LDS Temple. The Beehive House gets its name from the beehive on top of the house. Brigham Young used the beehive to signify industry, and it later became Utah's state emblem.

Brigham Young Monument

Erected in 1847 to honor Brigham Young. Located just north of the intersection at Main and South Temple Streets.

Capital Theatre

Home of the Ballet West, Ririe-Woodbury Dance and the Utah Opera Company. Located at 50 W. and 200 S.

Cathedral Church of St. Mark

Built in 1970 the church is constructed of Utah sandstone. Within the church is a Mirrless 200 pipe chamber organ which from imported from Scotland. Located at 231 E. 100S. Self guided tours and brochures available.

Cathedral of the Madeleine

Built by the Reverend Lawrence Scanlan, Salt Lake City's first bishop, construction on the cathedral on South Temple began in 1899 and was completed in 1909. Located at 331 E. South Temple.

City and County Building

This was the original Utah Capital building and is built on the site where the first peace treaty between the Ute and Shoshone was signed. The building was restored in 1989. The Utah Heritage Foundation provides free tours of the City & County Building on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Tours typically last about an hour. For a modest charge, the organization will provide tours on days other than Tuesday and Saturday.(telephone 801 533 0858). Located on Washington Square between 400s and 500s on State St.

Governor's Mansion

Built in 1902 by the mining magnate, and U.S. Senator Thomas Kearns. In 1937 Senator Kearns' widow, Jennie, donated the mansion to the state. For the next twenty years the governors of Utah resided at the mansion during their terms of office. In 1957, the Kearns mansion was turned over to the Utah Historical Society. Governor Scott Matheson restored the mansion and it became the Governor's residence again in 1980. The governor's mansion is open for public tours Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-4 p.m. at no cost. Located at 603 E. South Temple.

Temple Square

This is the symbolic heart of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Points of interest include the Granite LDS Temple, the Tabernacle, Assembly Hall and Seagul Monument. Free tours of the square are offered and exhibits are available at the two visitors centers. Located at 50 W North Temple.

Holy Trinity Cathedral

Salt Lake City boasts one of the largest Greek Orthodox Parishes in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. With the turn of the century and the subsequent industrialization of Utah, large numbers of Greek immigrants arrived in Utah and in the Salt Lake valley. In January 1905, the Greek Community of Utah was organized. Funds were raised and property was purchased at 439 West and 400 South. In October of that same year, the first Greek Orthodox Church of Utah was dedicated and given the name Holy Trinity.

Marmalade Historic District

On the western side of Capitol Hill is the Marmalade Historic District, or Fruit Tree Streets where many original pioneer-era homes are located. The district was named so because early street names reflected the fruit-bearing plants and trees imported and planted there by its early residents. Marmalade is a small triangular area bounded by 300 North on the south, 500 North on the north, Center Street on the east, and Quince Street, the district's "Main Street", on the west.

Memory Grove

Memory Grove is dedicated to Utah veterans and to the memory of those who died while serving in various battles, from World War I to the Vietnam War. It features peaceful greenery and the quiet sounds of City Creek. The striking veteran monuments offer interesting diversions while you enjoy an afternoon by the Harbor of Beauty pond.

Utah State Capital

Utah's Capitol building, located on a hill overlooking downtown Salt Lake City, is an elegant architectural masterpiece. The building is set on over 40 acres, with beautifully maintained and sculpted lawns, trees, flowerbeds, and shrubs. The building was constructed between 1912 and 1916, using granite from nearby Little Cottonwood Canyon. The dome is covered with Utah copper. Guided tours of the Capitol are given every half-hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The building itself is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. September through May and until 8 p.m. during the summer.

Wheeler Historic Farm

The Farm is a restoration of the turn-of-the-century dairy farm of Henry J. Wheeler. Maintaining the farm presents to the public the history of Utah family agriculture. It is a representation of the rural lifestyle in Salt Lake County from 1890-1920. It is open daily and offers educational tours and free admission. Located at 6351 S. 900 E.