The Manti Temple

Manti's pioneers began quarrying the pale oolite limestone for their temple on April 25, 1877, cutting it from the south face of the very hill it would crown. It was the third temple begun in Utah — started, remarkably, before the first two were finished. Brigham Young, who planned it, ruled that no money be paid for labor, so skilled workmen donated months of their craft, and the result shows it: a building finished with unusual care, famous for the graceful spiral staircases that climb, unsupported, to its upper floors. It has anchored the valley's skyline since 1888.

What the plaque says

On April 25 1877, the pioneer colonizers of Manti -- the fourth community established in Utah -- began taking form the south side of this hill the oolite stone from which to build their temple. The third of these sacred edifices erected in Utah, it was begun before the other two were completed. When the site was dedicated, Brigham Young, who planned the structure, announced that no money was to be spent for labor. Consequently many months of labor were donated by skilled workmen, which together with contributions of materials and money made possible the completion of the building. The temple's construction was carefully and tastefully executed, the workmanship, decoration, and furnishing representing a high quality of skill and design. One outstanding feature of the interior is a beautiful spiral staircase which extends to the top floor. Eleven years in construction, the Manti Temple was completed May 21, 1888 at a cost of one million dollars. It stands as a monument to the thrift, industry, and self-sacrifice of these early Mormon colonists. The public is invited to visit the temple grounds.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Manti Temple — 0.3 mi
  A striking pioneer-era temple crowning a hilltop above the Sanpete Valley
• Manti — 0.6 mi
  Sanpete's first settlement, crowned by an 1888 oolite temple
• Palisade State Park — 4.9 mi
  A pioneer-built lake turned central Utah's favorite state park
• Sterling — 6.2 mi
  A highway hamlet and the doorway to Palisade State Park

More markers nearby

• Manti Pioneers — steps away
• Pioneer Memorial Cabin — 0.3 mi
• The John Patton House (2) Markers — 0.3 mi
• Manti City Hall — 0.4 mi