Pioneer Square

The building of the Old Fort began with Brigham Young's own hands. On August 10, 1847 — barely two weeks after the pioneers arrived — he laid the foundation stones for the first of seventeen houses, and the next day the first adobe brick went into a nine-foot wall. Set side by side, the houses became the wall itself, enclosing this ten-acre block against the open country. The fort was finished by November. Half a century later, in 1898, the ground was dedicated as Pioneer Park, which it remains — the birthplace, in effect, of the city.

What the plaque says

This monument marks the site of the "Old Fort" in which the Mormon Pioneers wintered in 1847-48 and in which some of the settlers resided for several years. Brigham Young laid the foundation stones on August 10, 1847, for 4 of the 17 houses erected of logs and sun-dried mud blocks on August 11, 1847, the first adobe in the 9 foot wall was laid. The houses formed part of the wall that enclosed this 10 acre block, as protection against Indians. The fort was completed in November 1847. On July 24, 1898, Pioneer Square was dedicated as a public park. The improved park was opened July 24, 1903. Lower marker: This plaque above is a replica of the original plaque that was placed here in 1933. It was placed by the Salt Lake Pioneer Chapter of the Sons of Utah Pioneers and the Salt Lake City Parks and Recreation Department in 2020.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Temple Square — 0.8 mi
  The spiritual and architectural heart of Salt Lake City
• Salt Lake City — 0.8 mi
  Utah's capital and largest city — where the Wasatch Range meets the Great Salt Lake.
• Liberty Park — 1.8 mi
  Salt Lake Citys beloved 80-acre urban park since 1882
• Ensign Peak — 2.1 mi
  A short hike to the spot where Brigham Young surveyed the valley

More markers nearby

• First Pioneer Fort in Valley PTLA #23 — steps away
• The Flag of the United States of America in Old Fort — steps away
• Utah's First Fort/Pioneer Women/Children (3) — steps away
• Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church — steps away