Rio Grande in Salt Lake City in Salt Lake County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Council House
Photographed By Jeremy Snow, April 30, 2024
1. Council House Marker
Utah‘s first public building
The Council House, a sandstone and adobe building designed by Truman O. Angell, was completed on this site in 1851. As the state's first public building, it fulfilled multiple roles, housing government and church offices as well as various public and private council meetings. The territorial legislature convened here, as did the University of Deseret (now the University of Utah). Is also housed a library and city and county courts and offices. At various times, the building contained space for religious rites, offices of the Deseret News and and the Women‘s Exponent, and a practice hall for the Mormon Tabemacle Choir.
In June 1885, the Council House was destroyed in spectacular fire when a neighboring building burned and a stockpile of gun powder exploded. Several adjacent buildings were also lost in the flames. A few months later, the city established a professional fire department.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1851.
Location. 40° 46.147′ N, 111° 53.483′ W. Marker is in Salt Lake City, Utah, in Salt Lake County. It is in Rio Grande. Marker is at the intersection of South Main Street and South Temple Street, on the right when traveling
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Deseret News Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother (within shouting distance of this marker); Great Salt Lake Base and Meridian (within shouting distance of this marker); Zions First National Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); In Honor of Brigham Young and the Pioneers (within shouting distance of this marker); Hotel Utah (within shouting distance of this marker); Joseph Smith Memorial Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Temple Square Railroad Spur (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salt Lake City.
Photographed By Jeremy Snow, April 30, 2024
2. Council House Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 1, 2024, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. This page has been viewed 52 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 1, 2024, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
