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

First National Bank Building

1872-1873, Thomas J. Johnson

— Cast iron facade by Richard M. Upjohn —

First National Bank Building Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bryan R. Bauer, August 27, 2010

1. First National Bank Building Marker

Inscription.
The First National Bank Building features the oldest known cast iron facade in the Intermountain West. It was designed by Richard M. Upjohn, one of America’s most distinguished 19th-century architects. The building originally had a fourth story which was destroyed by fire in 1875. First National Bank was spectacularly profitable when it constructed this building in 1873. By the end of 1874, the bank had been liquidated. The depression of 1873 and liberal lending practices were the main causes of the bank’s demise. Its expensive new building, however, contributed to its financial woes. Originally estimated to cost $80,000, the building ended up costing $140,000.

Erected by Utah Heritage Foundation. (Marker Number 20.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Utah, Salt Lake City Downtown Walking Tour series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1875.

Location. 40° 45.935′ N, 111° 53.451′ W. Marker is in Salt Lake City, Utah, in Salt Lake County. It is in Rio Grande. Marker is on Main Street north of 200 S, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 165 S Main St, Salt Lake City UT 84111, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

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of this marker. Great Salt Lake City Station (here, next to this marker); Salt Lake Herald Building (a few steps from this marker); Herald Building (a few steps from this marker); The Pony Express (within shouting distance of this marker); Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Salt Lake Tribune (within shouting distance of this marker); Hotel Monaco (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Commercial Street (about 400 feet away); Capitol Theatre (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salt Lake City.

More about this marker. This building is Tour Stop 20 on the Utah Heritage Foundation Downtown Walking Tour.

Photographed By Craig Baker, April 14, 2019

2. First National Bank Building Marker

First National Bank Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Baker, April 14, 2019

3. First National Bank Building

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2010, by Bryan R. Bauer of Kearns, Ut 84118. This page has been viewed 917 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 10, 2010, by Bryan R. Bauer of Kearns, Ut 84118. 2, 3. submitted on April 15, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.