Capitol Hill in Salt Lake City in Salt Lake County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)

First University West of the Mississippi

Photographed by Jason Voigt, May 12, 2023

1. First University West of the Mississippi Marker

Inscription. The parent school or the University of Deseret, established November 11, 1850 in the home of John Pack, was located on this corner. Forty students enrolled the first year. Produce, lumber, etc. were taken for tuition and sold by Mr. Pack. Cyrus W. Collins was the first teacher. In 1851 the school was moved to the Council House, then to 13th Ward Hall, in 1867 back to the Council House, 1876 to Union Square 2nd West & 1st North Streets. In 1892 the name was changed to University of Utah and in Sept. 1900 moved to the present site.

Erected 1939 by Daughters of Utah Pioneers. (Marker Number 53.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of Utah Pioneers series list. A significant historical date for this entry is November 11, 1850.

Location. 40° 46.414′ N, 111° 53.648′ W. Marker is in Salt Lake City, Utah, in Salt Lake County. It is in Capitol Hill. It is at the intersection of West 2nd North and West Temple, on the right when traveling east on West 2nd North. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 149 W 2nd N, Salt Lake City UT 84103, 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. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Gibbs-Thomas-Hansen Home (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gibbs-Thomas-Hansen House

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(about 300 feet away); Primary Children’s Hospital (about 700 feet away); Kimball-Whitney Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ebenezer Beesley House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Alfred W. McCune Mansion (approx. 0.2 miles away); Historical Gardens (approx. 0.2 miles away); Joseph Smith's First Vision (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salt Lake City.

Also see . . . University of Utah on Wikipedia. (Submitted on May 13, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Photographed by Jason Voigt, May 12, 2023

2. First University West of the Mississippi Marker

Photographed by Jason Voigt, May 12, 2023

3. First University West of the Mississippi Marker

Apartment buildings now sit at that corner

Credits. This page was last revised on May 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 279 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 13, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.