Temple Square

Temple Square. Located in the heart of Salt Lake City, Utah, it is a 35-acre complex owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The square is surrounded by several notable buildings, including the Salt Lake Temple, the Tabernacle, and the Assembly Hall. It is also close to other important LDS Church buildings, such as the Church Office Building and the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, which houses the Family History Library and the Church History Museum.

History of Temple Square

The history of the square dates back to 1847, when Brigham Young arrived in the Salt Lake Valley and designated the area as the center of the LDS Church. The square was originally a fort to protect the early Mormon pioneers from Native American attacks. Over time, the fort was replaced by various buildings, including the Endowment House, which was built in 1855 and served as a temporary temple until the Salt Lake Temple was completed in 1893. The square has also been the site of several important events, including the Dedication of the Salt Lake Temple and the Priesthood Restoration Site, which commemorates the Restoration (LDS Church) of the Aaronic priesthood by John the Baptist and the Melchizedek priesthood by Peter, James, and John. The square is also near the Utah State Capitol and the Cathedral of the Madeleine.

Geography and Layout

The square is situated in the heart of Downtown Salt Lake City, near the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake. It is bounded by North Temple Street to the north, South Temple Street to the south, West Temple Street to the west, and Main Street (Salt Lake City) to the east. The square is also close to several other important LDS Church sites, including the Brigham Young Historic Park, the Lion House, and the Beehive House. The square's layout is designed to be a peaceful oasis in the midst of the bustling city, with beautiful gardens and walking paths, as well as several important buildings, including the Salt Lake Temple, the Tabernacle, and the Assembly Hall, which are all connected by a series of tunnels and skywalks. The square is also near the University of Utah and the Natural History Museum of Utah.

Temple Square Attractions

The square is home to several popular attractions, including the Salt Lake Temple, the Tabernacle, and the Assembly Hall. Visitors can take a guided tour of the square, which includes the Salt Lake Temple Visitors' Center, the Museum of Church History and Art, and the Beehive House, which was the former home of Brigham Young. The square is also home to several beautiful gardens and walking paths, including the Temple Square Gardens and the Reflection Pool. Visitors can also attend a performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir at the Tabernacle, or visit the Church History Museum, which features exhibits on the history of the LDS Church and its prophets, including Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and Gordon B. Hinckley. The square is also near the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art and the Salt Lake Acting Company.

Religious Significance

The square is a sacred place for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who come to the square to worship, learn, and connect with their faith. The Salt Lake Temple is one of the most sacred buildings in the LDS Church, and is the location of important ordinances, including temple marriages and endowments. The square is also home to several other important LDS Church buildings, including the Tabernacle, which is the home of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and the Assembly Hall, which hosts various LDS Church events and conferences, including the General Conference (LDS Church). The square is also near the St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral and the Cathedral of the Madeleine.

Visitor Information

Visitors to the square can take a guided tour, which includes the Salt Lake Temple Visitors' Center, the Museum of Church History and Art, and the Beehive House. The square is open to visitors from April to October, and is closed on Mondays and holidays. Visitors can also attend a performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir at the Tabernacle, or visit the Church History Museum, which features exhibits on the history of the LDS Church and its prophets. The square is also near several other popular attractions, including the Natural History Museum of Utah, the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Salt Lake Acting Company. Visitors can also take a stroll through the beautiful gardens and walking paths, including the Temple Square Gardens and the Reflection Pool, which are surrounded by important LDS Church buildings, such as the Church Office Building and the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. Category:Historic sites in Utah