Rio Grande in Salt Lake City in Salt Lake County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Frank E. Moss Federal Courthouse

Salt Lake City Federal Building and Post Office

— 1902-1905, James Knox Taylor, Supervising Architect of the Treasury —

Frank E. Moss Federal Courthouse Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 18, 2016

1. Frank E. Moss Federal Courthouse Marker

Inscription. After Utah became a state in 1896, the Federal Government began planning a building to house federal offices in Salt Lake City. The Treasury Department considered two sites for the building. After vocal opposition from many of Salt Lake City's leading non-Mormon businessmen to a site offered by the LDS Church near Temple Square, the federal government purchased this site. Completed in 1905, this building was one of the earliest examples of Neoclassical style architecture in Utah. Originally serving as a combination post office, courthouse, and federal building, it became the anchor of the non-Mormon south downtown business district.

Erected by Utah Heritage Foundation. (Marker Number 38.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Utah, Salt Lake City Downtown Walking Tour series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.

Location. 40° 45.698′ N, 111° 53.486′ W. Marker is in Salt Lake City, Utah, in Salt Lake County. It is in Rio Grande. It is on West Market Street just west of South Main Street, on the left when traveling west. Marker is located near the northeast corner of the subject building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 350 South Main Street, Salt Lake City UT 84101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Wasatch Front

and in Greater Salt Lake.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in Colorado Plateau.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Odd Fellows Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); New Grand Hotel (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); New York Hotel (about 300 feet away); Salt Lake Stock and Mining Exchange (about 500 feet away); David Keith Building (about 700 feet away); Morgan Commercial & Normal College (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lollin Block (approx. 0.2 miles away); Eagles Club Building (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salt Lake City.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Salt Lake Stock & Mining Exchange Building (was about 500 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Regarding Frank E. Moss Federal Courthouse. This building is Tour Stop 38 on the Utah Heritage Foundation Downtown Walking Tour. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as one of ten contributing neighborhood buildings within the Exchange Place Historic District, NRHP #78002669.

Also see . . . Frank E. Moss United States Courthouse (Wikipedia). The exterior walls were originally clad in Kyune sandstone that experienced significant cracking and other damage over the years. Much of the sandstone was replaced with Utah granite in 1932. Broad granite steps lead from the street

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 18, 2016

2. Frank E. Moss Federal Courthouse Marker

(marker visible near left/northeast corner of building)

to the courthouse's main entrance. Flanking the steps are granite railings with streamlined detailing and eagles with outstretched wings. Atop the bronze entry doors are elaborate decorative grilles of bronze and aluminum. A colonnade of fifteen fluted, engaged Doric columns spans the eastern facade, supporting a classical entablature and parapet with balustrade. (Submitted on March 14, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Frank E. Moss Federal Courthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 18, 2016

3. Frank E. Moss Federal Courthouse

(bronze & aluminum door)

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 18, 2016

4. Frank E. Moss Federal Courthouse

(bronze & aluminum grill detail)

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 18, 2016

5. Frank E. Moss Federal Courthouse

(granite eagle beside entrance)

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 18, 2016

6. Frank E. Moss Federal Courthouse

(front view from South Main Street)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 672 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 14, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.