Eagle Gate, Salt Lake City
The Eagle Gate in Salt Lake City is a historical monument that spans State Street at the intersection with South Temple, right in the heart of the city鈥檚 downtown area. This prominent arch was originally constructed in 1859 as an entrance to Brigham Young鈥檚 estate and served as the gateway to City Creek Canyon. With its iconic eagle and beehive sculpture, the monument has come to symbolize Salt Lake City's pioneer heritage and the industrious spirit of Utah.
The gate鈥檚 current iteration, designed in the 1960s, is a striking example of Mid-century modern architecture. Supported by four pillars with a steel frame covered in metal panels, the arch leads up to a keystone embellished with five-point stars. Atop this keystone rests a bronze eagle, a replica of the original wooden sculpture that once adorned the gate. This eagle, with a wingspan of 20 feet, is perched on a beehive鈥攁 symbolic nod to Utah鈥檚 nickname, 鈥淭he Beehive State.鈥� This enduring symbol of thrift and perseverance has been a part of Utah鈥檚 identity since the Mormon pioneer era when the beehive became an emblem of the early settlers鈥� industrious nature.
On the eastern side of the monument, a granite stone containing a time capsule lies between two pillars, accompanied by a plaque detailing the Eagle Gate鈥檚 history. Originally, the gate featured large wooden doors, which were closed nightly to secure Brigham Young鈥檚 extensive estate, including the Beehive House, Lion House, private offices, gardens, and various facilities. In 1891, the wooden gates were removed, and the entrance was expanded into a public street, with the eagle receiving a copper-plated finish on stone pillars. By 1960, after the original wood had deteriorated, the gate was rebuilt with an enlarged bronze eagle, solidifying its place as a tribute to the pioneers who established the state.
Today, the Eagle Gate remains one of Salt Lake City鈥檚 best-known landmarks, inspiring the names of several local businesses and buildings. As a monument to both historical roots and modern design, it continues to bridge the city鈥檚 pioneer legacy with its evolving urban identity.
The gate鈥檚 current iteration, designed in the 1960s, is a striking example of Mid-century modern architecture. Supported by four pillars with a steel frame covered in metal panels, the arch leads up to a keystone embellished with five-point stars. Atop this keystone rests a bronze eagle, a replica of the original wooden sculpture that once adorned the gate. This eagle, with a wingspan of 20 feet, is perched on a beehive鈥攁 symbolic nod to Utah鈥檚 nickname, 鈥淭he Beehive State.鈥� This enduring symbol of thrift and perseverance has been a part of Utah鈥檚 identity since the Mormon pioneer era when the beehive became an emblem of the early settlers鈥� industrious nature.
On the eastern side of the monument, a granite stone containing a time capsule lies between two pillars, accompanied by a plaque detailing the Eagle Gate鈥檚 history. Originally, the gate featured large wooden doors, which were closed nightly to secure Brigham Young鈥檚 extensive estate, including the Beehive House, Lion House, private offices, gardens, and various facilities. In 1891, the wooden gates were removed, and the entrance was expanded into a public street, with the eagle receiving a copper-plated finish on stone pillars. By 1960, after the original wood had deteriorated, the gate was rebuilt with an enlarged bronze eagle, solidifying its place as a tribute to the pioneers who established the state.
Today, the Eagle Gate remains one of Salt Lake City鈥檚 best-known landmarks, inspiring the names of several local businesses and buildings. As a monument to both historical roots and modern design, it continues to bridge the city鈥檚 pioneer legacy with its evolving urban identity.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Salt Lake City. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Eagle Gate on Map
Sight Name: Eagle Gate
Sight Location: Salt Lake City, USA (See walking tours in Salt Lake City)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Salt Lake City, USA (See walking tours in Salt Lake City)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Salt Lake City, Utah
Create Your Own Walk in Salt Lake City
Creating your own self-guided walk in Salt Lake City is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Pioneers Trail
After extensive religious persecution in the Eastern and Midwestern United States, the Mormon Pioneers made their way westward across the plains and mountains to a spot where Brigham Young said God had designated they should stop and settle. Unlike other social groups (farmers, miners, merchants) who created other western cities, these settlers arrived in Salt Lake Valley as a centrally organized... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Historical Buildings Tour
Salt Lake City鈥檚 downtown is a good place to view historical buildings and sites, each with its unique story and significance, that reflect the city鈥檚 Mormon heritage and more.
One such edifice is the Devereaux Mansion, a stunning example of Second Empire architecture that stands as a testament to the city's prosperous past. The Salt Lake Temple, an iconic symbol of the city and a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
One such edifice is the Devereaux Mansion, a stunning example of Second Empire architecture that stands as a testament to the city's prosperous past. The Salt Lake Temple, an iconic symbol of the city and a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Salt Lake City Downtown Walk
Salt Lake City's downtown epitomizes the city's settlement and growth. Renowned for its cleanliness, visitors often praise its meticulously planned layout, reminiscent of a Cartesian graph centered around Temple Square, a sacred site for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).
In 1847, Brigham Young, leader of Mormon pioneer settlers, designated the site for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
In 1847, Brigham Young, leader of Mormon pioneer settlers, designated the site for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles