Bliss Hall

Where the territory had no public schools, the churches built them. Bliss Hall went up in 1872, funded by the Congregational Church's New West Education Commission, one of some thirty Protestant mission schools opened across Utah to fill a gap the thinly settled, cash-poor territory left wide open. Named for a New England minister, Charles Bliss, the rock building served as both church and school. Two women taught long careers within its walls — Madeline Gile, and Jessamine Sheppard, who began here before becoming one of Utah's well-known educators and moving into the county system.

What the plaque says

BLISS HALL was erected in 1872 by the New West Education Commission of the Congregational Church for Protestant Missionary Schools. It was named for Charles R. Bliss, a New England minister, and the hall served both as church and school. No public school system existed in the territories because of scanty population and funds. A number of Christian schools were opened under the auspices of an Eastern board to fill this need, and at one time there were thirty of these schools in Utah. Miss Madeline Gile taught for many years in this Rock School House, and Miss Jessamine Sheppard, another well-known Utah educator, also began her career here, later moving into the County School System. Historic marker donated by George K. Fadel and the League of Wonen Voters

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Ensign Peak — 6.6 mi
  A short hike to the spot where Brigham Young surveyed the valley
• Lagoon Amusement Park — 6.9 mi
  A beloved family amusement park operating since 1886
• Salt Lake City — 7.9 mi
  Utah's capital and largest city — where the Wasatch Range meets the Great Salt Lake.
• Temple Square — 7.9 mi
  The spiritual and architectural heart of Salt Lake City

More markers nearby

• The Bamberger — steps away
• Brick-Making in Bountiful — steps away
• Bountiful Lumber & Supply Company — 0.3 mi
• Bountiful Tabernacle — 0.4 mi