PI-60 Building Stones of Downtown Salt Lake City, A Walking Tour

In this early photo, you can see the Nugget Sandstone foundation of Social Hall (on right). This photo was taken before the front steps were completed (probably early 1850s).
Photo courtesy of the Utah State Historical Society.

39 South State Street

This glass-enclosed area contains all that is left of the original Social Hall building, a partial foundation of Nugget Sandstone and two stone ovens.

Built in 1852 as an entertainment and cultural center, Social Hall was the first theater west of the Missouri River. Local drama associations and visiting performers took to the Social Hall stage. Mark Twain entertained here many times. Dances and banquets were also held here for the enjoyment of the early pioneers.

Later, the building housed the Latter-day Saint College, now the LDS Business College located on South Temple. After 70 years of use the building was torn down in 1922.

After viewing the exhibits, use the underground walkway to cross State Street and enter the ZCMI Center Mall.

Tour Stops