Pioneer Camping Grounds

This ten-acre block has been many things, but it started as a campground. The first pioneers pitched their tents here on July 23, 1847, and Orson Pratt dedicated the ground; for years afterward the immigrant wagon trains camped on it as they arrived. Then the open block filled with the life of a growing city — cattle drives and a hay market, baseball games, carnivals, medicine shows, a skating rink, even the circus. Known first as Washington Square, it has been public common ground for the whole span of Salt Lake's history.

What the plaque says

This ten-acre block served as camping grounds for immigrant trains. The vanguard of the first band of pioneers pitched their tent here July 23, 1847, at which time their leader Orson Pratt dedicated the land. Later it became the focal point for semi-annual cattle drives; was used for a hay market, baseball grounds, carnivals, medicine shows, skating rink, and circus performances. In pioneer days it was called Washington Square and Emigration Square; later it was known as the Eighth Ward Square. Eighth Camp, Salt Lake County

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Salt Lake City — 0.7 mi
  Utah's capital and largest city — where the Wasatch Range meets the Great Salt Lake.
• Temple Square — 0.8 mi
  The spiritual and architectural heart of Salt Lake City
• Liberty Park — 1.3 mi
  Salt Lake Citys beloved 80-acre urban park since 1882
• Gilgal Sculpture Garden — 1.6 mi
  A surreal and eccentric sculpture garden hidden in a residential neighborhood

More markers nearby

• Salt Lake City and County Building — steps away
• Original Salt Lake City & County Building — steps away
• City & County Building Restoration — steps away
• Salt Lake Stock & Mining Exchange Building — steps away