Great Salt Lake Base and Meridian

Salt Lake City, US

Great Salt Lake Base and Meridian
Great Salt Lake Base and Meridian
Location
Salt Lake City, US
Category
heritage historic sites
Coordinates
40.772428333, -111.892945
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check the local forecast before visiting.

Overview

The Great Salt Lake Base and Meridian, located in Salt Lake City, Utah, serves as the foundational point for the land survey system of the entire state. Established in 1847 by the Mormon pioneers, this historic site is marked by a stone monument situated at the southeast corner of Temple Square. For those seeking historical landmarks, this site is a primary destination, as it defines the grid system upon which the city and the state's property boundaries were built. Visitors can expect to find a modest, well-preserved marker that offers a tangible connection to the early nineteenth-century settlement efforts of the region. As one of the most significant places to visit for history enthusiasts, the monument provides a clear starting point for understanding how the Utah territory was mapped and organized. The site is accessible year-round, and its central location makes it an easy stop for those exploring the downtown area. While the monument itself is a brief visit, it serves as an essential anchor for understanding the urban planning of Salt Lake City. Travelers looking for unique trip ideas will find the site provides a fascinating glimpse into the logistical precision required to settle the American West, grounding the modern city in its pioneer origins.

General information

The Great Salt Lake Base and Meridian, located in Salt Lake City, Utah, serves as the foundational point for the land survey system of the entire state. Established in 1847 by the Mormon pioneers, this historic site is marked by a stone monument situated at the southeast corner of Temple Square. For those seeking historical landmarks, this site is a primary destination, as it defines the grid system upon which the city and the state's property boundaries were built. Visitors can expect to find a modest, well-preserved marker that offers a tangible connection to the early nineteenth-century settlement efforts of the region. As one of the most significant places to visit for history enthusiasts, the monument provides a clear starting point for understanding how the Utah territory was mapped and organized. The site is accessible year-round, and its central location makes it an easy stop for those exploring the downtown area. While the monument itself is a brief visit, it serves as an essential anchor for understanding the urban planning of Salt Lake City. Travelers looking for unique trip ideas will find the site provides a fascinating glimpse into the logistical precision required to settle the American West, grounding the modern city in its pioneer origins.

Did you know

  • The meridian and base line were established on August 3, 1847, just days after the pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley.
  • The monument serves as the reference point for all land surveys in Utah, excluding only a few small areas in the eastern part of the state.
  • The original marker was a simple wooden stake before being replaced by the permanent stone monument seen today.

History

Following the arrival of the Mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley in July 1847, the establishment of a formal land survey system became an immediate priority to organize the settlement. On August 3, 1847, the Great Salt Lake Base and Meridian was established at what is now the southeast corner of Temple Square. This point was designated as the Initial Point for the Public Land Survey System in the Utah Territory. By creating this fixed reference, surveyors were able to divide the land into a precise grid of townships and ranges, facilitating the orderly distribution of land to settlers. This system remains the legal basis for property descriptions throughout most of Utah today.

Cultural significance

The Great Salt Lake Base and Meridian represents the intersection of pioneer survival and administrative order. Culturally, it symbolizes the determination of the early settlers to transform the rugged landscape of the Great Basin into a structured, functioning society. The monument is a testament to the importance of land ownership and legal organization in the expansion of the United States. It stands as a silent witness to the transformation of the valley from a wilderness into a major metropolitan center, serving as a reminder of the foundational planning that allowed Salt Lake City to flourish in a challenging desert environment.

Geography and landscape

The site is located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, situated on the southeast corner of the historic Temple Square. The terrain is flat, typical of the urbanized Salt Lake Valley floor. It is surrounded by significant civic and religious structures, including the Salt Lake Temple and the Tabernacle. The landscape is dominated by the built environment, reflecting the grid pattern that the meridian itself established. To the east, the steep, imposing slopes of the Wasatch Range provide a dramatic backdrop to the city, creating a stark contrast between the urban, surveyed grid and the natural, mountainous geography of the region.

More facts

  • Imported from Wikidata

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