The Knight Block

From this building, Jesse Knight ran one of the largest business empires in early Utah. Knight had struck it rich with the Humbug mine at Tintic after years of hard luck, and he built the rest of his fortune outward from mining into manufacturing, farming, banking, and commerce. In 1900 he had this block raised to Richard Watkins's design as his headquarters, the nerve center. Knight was unusual among magnates of his day — he treated his workers fairly, refused to profit from liquor, and gave much of his money away, bankrolling Brigham Young University when it was struggling.

What the plaque says

The Knight Block, designed by Architect Richard C. Watkins, was constructed for Jesse Knight in 1900. The building served as the financial headquarters for the mining, manufacturing, agricultural, and commercial activities for one of Utah's most important nineteenth and twentieth century businessmen.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Bridal Veil Falls — 7.9 mi
  A dramatic double waterfall cascading 607 feet into Provo Canyon
• Sundance Mountain Resort — 12 mi
  Robert Redford's intimate, arts-minded ski resort on the slopes of Mount Timpanogos, in the North Fork of Provo Canyon.
• Aspen Grove — 12 mi
  The mountain-base trailhead for Mount Timpanogos and Stewart Falls
• Alpine Loop Summit — 13 mi
  The 8,000-foot high point of the Alpine Loop, face to face with Mount Timpanogos

More markers nearby

• Old Tabernacle Lintel Stone — steps away
• The American Family — steps away
• Escalante Trail — steps away
• Provo Woolen Mills — steps away