Frank E. Moss United States Courthouse

Where the federal government built its Salt Lake courthouse was a small battle in the city's larger divide. When Utah became a state in 1896, Washington needed a home for its offices here; the Latter-day Saint church offered a site near Temple Square, but the city's non-Mormon businessmen objected loudly, and the government bought this ground instead. The Neoclassical building that rose in 1905 — post office, courthouse, and federal offices under one roof — became the anchor of the "gentile" south downtown. It now bears the name of Frank Moss, the Utah senator.

What the plaque says

After Utah became a state in 1896, the Federal Government began planning a building to house federal offices in Salt Lake City. The Treasury Department considered two sites for the building. After vocal opposition from many of Salt Lake City's leading non-Mormon businessmen to a site offered by the LDS Church near Temple Square, the federal government purchased this site. Completed in 1905, this building was one of the earliest examples of Neoclassical style architecture in Utah. Originally serving as a combination post office, courthouse, and federal building, it became the anchor of the non-Mormon south downtown business district.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Temple Square — 0.7 mi
  The spiritual and architectural heart of Salt Lake City
• Salt Lake City — 0.7 mi
  Utah's capital and largest city — where the Wasatch Range meets the Great Salt Lake.
• Liberty Park — 1.4 mi
  Salt Lake Citys beloved 80-acre urban park since 1882
• Gilgal Sculpture Garden — 1.7 mi
  A surreal and eccentric sculpture garden hidden in a residential neighborhood

More markers nearby

• U.S. Post Office and Courthouse — steps away
• Utah Heritage Foundation honors Gastronomy — steps away
• Salt Lake Stock & Mining Exchange Building — steps away
• Eagle Club Building — steps away