Sugar House in Salt Lake City in Salt Lake County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Utah Penitentiary

Photographed by Jeremy Snow, May 19, 2025

1. Utah Penitentiary Marker

Inscription. After World War II the growth of the city to the south and east made it imperative to construct a large prison facility in a more isolated area. In 1951 all the old penitentiary buildings were demolished and the inmates transferred to the "Point of the Mountain" 30 miles away. This site then became beautiful Sugar House Park. The stones in the monument are from the old penitentiary.

The name "Sugar House" comes from a Mormon pioneer attempt to grow sugar beets and refine sugar in this area. The refining process was unsuccessful and the factory was torn down, but the name remained to designate a suburb of Salt Lake City. After 1849 pioneers entered and left the valley from the Sugar House staging area through Parleys Canyon to the east.

Erected 1988 by Daughters of Utah Pioneers. (Marker Number 440.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of Utah Pioneers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1951.

Location. 40° 43.503′ N, 111° 51.063′ W. Marker is in Salt Lake City, Utah, in Salt Lake County. It is in Sugar House. It is on East 2100 South, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1400 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City UT 84105, 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: A different marker also named Utah Penitentiary (here, next to this marker); Previous Site of the Utah State Penitentiary (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Previous Site of the Utah State Penitentiary (within shouting distance of this marker); Joe Hill (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Sugar House (approx. half a mile away); Jordan & Salt Lake City Canal (approx. half a mile away); Converse Hall (approx. half a mile away); Ferry Plaza (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salt Lake City.

Photographed by Jeremy Snow, May 19, 2025

2. Utah Penitentiary Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2025, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. This page has been viewed 118 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 26, 2025, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.