Heber C. Kimball Gristmill

The mill on this site belonged to one of the most powerful men in early Utah. Heber C. Kimball, a Vermont convert of 1832, became an apostle in 1835 and led the church's first mission to England, whose converts poured strength into the young faith. He crossed the plains with the vanguard company in 1847 and served as Brigham Young's first counselor; by 1849 he was chief justice and lieutenant governor of the provisional State of Deseret. Among his lesser titles was mill owner: he ordered a gristmill built here in this canyon mouth to grind the settlers' grain.

What the plaque says

Heber C. Kimball was born on June 14, 1801 to Solomon Farnham Kimball and Anna Spaulding Kimball in Sheldon, Franklin County, Vermont. He married Vilate Murray on November 7, 1822. Kimball was converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1832. He was called to be a member of the Church's Quorum of Twelve Apostles in February 1835 and led the first missionary thrust to England during the 1830's. This effort resulted in much Church growth. In December 1847, he became Brigham Young's first counselor in the Church's First Presidency. On July 24, 1847, Heber C. Kimball arrived with the first group of Mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley. By 1849, he had become the first chief justice of the provisional State of Deseret and the State's lieutenant governor. In his time, Kimball was involved in many important events in Utah Territory and the Church. Kimball, who owned property and had family here, felt a need for a flour mill in the North Cañon Ward (now known as Bountiful City). Then, farm efforts in Bountiful were dominated by grain production and he felt the mill would be a good investment. Kimball was granted land rights in 1851. After its completion in the fall of 1853 he dedicated the mill. Water to run the mill was stored in a pond that was excavated on its south side. An adobe cottage faced the mill on the east bank. Poplar trees were planted around the pond. Kimball died on June 22, 1868, in Salt Lake City. We now recognize Heber C. Kimball's leadership in financing the grist mill's construction.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Ensign Peak — 6.3 mi
  A short hike to the spot where Brigham Young surveyed the valley
• Lagoon Amusement Park — 7.3 mi
  A beloved family amusement park operating since 1886
• Salt Lake City — 7.6 mi
  Utah's capital and largest city — where the Wasatch Range meets the Great Salt Lake.
• Temple Square — 7.6 mi
  The spiritual and architectural heart of Salt Lake City

More markers nearby

• Original Gristmill Stones — steps away
• George Quinn McNeil — steps away
• Daniel Davis — steps away
• Bountiful Lumber & Supply Company — 0.7 mi