Block U

That blocky "U" on Mount Van Cott is older than it looks. Its bronze dates the first letter at this site to 1905 and its concrete to 1907, which puts it among the oldest hillside letters in the country. Lights came in 1969, and the rule cast on the plaque is the one locals know: the U flashes after a win and burns steady after a loss. A 2006 rebuild relit it at a Thursday-night game against TCU that October, and the new letter first flashed after a 20-7 Utah win.

What the plaque says

University of Utah Block U This landmark is lighted during athletics contests held on the University of Utah campus. Its lights flash in victory... and burn steady even in defeat. First constructed at this site: 1905 Fabricated in concrete: 1907 Refurbished (lights added): 1969 Rebuilt with new concrete, lighting, and erosion control: 2006 The 2006 "Renew the U" project was made possible through generous gifts from students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends matched by a challenge grant from Ira A. and Mary Lou Fulton. Additional funding was provided by the University and its Athletics Department. The Block U was re-lighted at the University of Utah vs. Texas Christian University football game on Thursday, October 5, 2006. Following Utah's 20 to 7 win, the "new" U flashed in victory for the first of many times to come! Lighting, concrete, and erosion control by Layton Construction Company, Inc. Greene's, Inc., and GSL Electric, Inc. Plaque erected October 2006

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Red Butte Garden — 1.1 mi
  A 100-acre botanical garden with panoramic valley views
• Natural History Museum of Utah — 1.4 mi
  A world-class museum built into the foothills above Salt Lake City
• This Is The Place Heritage Park — 2.3 mi
  A living history village at the mouth of Emigration Canyon
• Ensign Peak — 2.5 mi
  A short hike to the spot where Brigham Young surveyed the valley

More markers nearby

• Salt Lake City Cemetery Gold Star Mothers Memorial — 0.9 mi
• U.S.S. Utah Bell and Plaque — 1.0 mi
• Stilwell Field Monument — 1.0 mi
• Rock Wall — 1.0 mi