Salt Lake City’s Council Hall Was Actually Built Downtown, Dismantled, And Moved To Capitol Hill In Utah
Council Hall in Salt Lake City is a historic building originally built in the 1860s and later moved brick-by-brick to Capitol Hill to preserve it from demolition.
Salt Lake City is home to dozens of historical buildings that not only date far back in time but also have quite an interesting story. Council Hall is one of these buildings. Built in the 1860s, this structure was originally known as Salt Lake City Hall and was one of the first permanent public buildings in SLC. But, nearly a century later, it was about to be demolished until it was moved brick by brick.
Located on Capitol Hill in Salt Lake City, you will see one of the most beautiful buildings in the area — Salt Lake City Council Hall. Currently home to the Utah Office of Tourism and the Utah Film Commission, this building will quickly capture your attention.
But, this building wasn’t always across the street from the Utah State Capitol Building. Rather, it was located downtown, just a few blocks from Temple Square.
Council Hall in SLC was built in 1866. It was SLC’s first City Hall and even served as the seat of government for the Utah Territory and the city for nearly three decades.
The same architect who designed the Salt Lake City Tabernacle, also designed Council Hall. It was made of red sandstone and even featured a large 1,700-pound bell when first built.
In the 1960s, plans were in place to demolish the building to create a new federal building. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints decided to preserve the historic building. The building was dismantled and reassembled brick-by-brick at its current location on Capitol Hill.
Today, you are welcome to step inside this historic building and step back in time. Here, you will find a small information area and souvenir shop that you'll certainly want to explore.
For more information on Council Hall in SLC, stop by the Visit Salt Lake City website.
Did you know the history of this building in Utah? Have you ever stepped inside? We’d love to hear more in the comments!
And, if you’d love to see many other sights and attractions in Salt Lake City, book a city tour!
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