Brigham Young Winter Home and Office

Last updated
Brigham Young Winter Home and Office
Brigham Young's winter home St George.jpg
USA Utah location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Usa edcp location map.svg
Red pog.svg
LocationSoutheast corner of
200 North and 100 West
St. George, Utah
United States
Coordinates 37°6′41″N113°35′6″W / 37.11139°N 113.58500°W / 37.11139; -113.58500
Builtcirca 1869 to 1873
Architect Miles Romney and
Miles Park Romney
Restored1962 to 1963,
1975 to 1976,
2002 to 2003
Restored by State of Utah,
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Website Brigham Young Winter Home and Office
NRHP reference No. 71000863
Added to NRHPFebruary 22, 1971

The Brigham Young Winter Home and Office is a historic house museum located in St. George, Utah. The home and office once belonged to Brigham Young, the foremost Mormon pioneer and second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). During Young's later years, his arthritis precluded him from spending winters in the Salt Lake City region, so a winter home in St. George—located in the arid Dixie region of the state—was acquired. He seasonally occupied the property from 1873 to 1877.

Contents

After Young's death, the home remained a private residence and was eventually purchased by St. George's first dentist, Jedediah M. Gates. The Young Family Association acquired the house in 1955, and four years later, it became the property of Utah State Parks and Recreation. The state restored the home, opening it to the public in 1963. The LDS Church acquired the property from the state in 1974, and has since operated the house museum, with its missionaries providing free guided tours.

History

Young's background

Brigham Young in 1870, three years before he started to use his winter home. BrighamYoung1.jpg
Brigham Young in 1870, three years before he started to use his winter home.

Brigham Young was a tradesman from Vermont who converted to the LDS Church in 1830. Joseph Smith, founder of the church, named Young to the first Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and then, in 1839, appointed him quorum president, a high-level position in church leadership. In 1844, a mob killed Smith, resulting in the succession crisis, in which several men claimed the right to lead the church.

In early 1846, those Latter-day Saints who chose to follow Young left their homes in Navuoo, Illinois and headed west to establish a new settlement, away from persecution. Young and a band of followers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in July 1847, where they established Salt Lake City. In the subsequent years, Young assigned groups of Latter-day Saints to establish communities throughout Utah and surrounding areas, convert the natives, and provide infrastructure. St. George was one of these commissioned settlements. Intended to be a cotton-growing colony, the region was noted for its warm temperatures, even in winter.

The house

As Young aged, he found that warm weather helped his arthritis. In the early 1870s, he purchased a home in St. George which had recently been constructed by the Chesney family. [1] After the purchase, a large two-story addition to the home was built, more than doubling the structure's size, and an adjacent office building was constructed. [2] [3]

The home was designed by Miles Romney and its addition was designed by his son, Miles Park Romney. [4] The house has two stories and is constructed of beige adobe brick. The red sandstone basement has two rooms, and the roof gable has wood shingles. Inside, the house has four fireplaces, three made of red sandstone and one from adobe. Inside the home, the church has included a selection of Young's extant furniture, some of which was built by him, and added other period pieces. [4] Wood for the house was cut from the Mount Trumbull Wilderness and the Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness. [3] The office is east of the living quarters, and features stucco walls and a sandstone chimney. [4]

Young first moved into the home in December 1873. [3] His presence in the community motivated the locals to complete the St. George Temple, which was dedicated in 1877.

The home was first recognized with a historic plaque added in 1947, by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. [5] It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. [4]

Ownership after Young

Young died on August 29, 1877, and his family eventually sold the home to St. George's first dentist, Jedediah M. Gates. After Gates died in 1947, [6] his children put the property up for sale. The Brigham Young Family Association, under the direction of Gordon Claridge Young (a great-grandson of Brigham Young), agreed to purchase the home in 1955. [7] The family association, along with the Sons of Utah Pioneers, planned to restore and open the property for tours. [8] Although doing so proved to be too financially difficult for the family. [9]

In 1959, the state purchased the association's equity in the home and paid off the remainder owed to the Gates family, securing title to the property. [10] [11] The state restored the home beginning in 1962, [12] which included moving the front door and a stairway back to their original positions. [13] [14] The restoration was overseen by architect George Cannon Young, a grandson of Brigham Young. [15] The restored home and office were dedicated on June 14, 1963, becoming a unit of Dixie State Park (currently Snow Canyon State Park). Participants in the dedicatory services included State Senator Orval Hafen, and LDS Church leaders Hugh B. Brown and Marion G. Romney. [16] [17]

In 1974, the LDS Church and Utah state government agreed to a property trade, in which the state would give Young's Winter Home and Office (and the nearby Jacob Hamblin House) to the church and in return the church would give the state the historic Brigham Young Forest Farmhouse in Salt Lake City. The church would then operate the two southern Utah homes as historic site visitors' centers and the state would move the Forest Farmhouse to Pioneer Trail State Park (currently This Is the Place Heritage Park) where it would be a feature of Old Deseret Village. [18] Young's Winter Home and Office first opened, under church control, in April 1975, [19] but closed that August for additional restoration work and repairs. After refurbishment, both Young's home and Hamblin's home were dedicated by church leader L. Tom Perry on May 29, 1976. [3] [20]

On May 31, 2003, the home was reopened following a months-long project to renovate the structure. This project included reinforcing the walls and roof, to make the building better able to survive earthquakes. The home's exterior woodwork was also painted moss green, its original color. Many historic buildings in St. George were originally painted this shade of green due to the wrong paint color being sent for the St. George Temple, and the early settlers made use of the mistake. [21] [22]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Buildings and sites of Salt Lake City</span>

Salt Lake City, Utah has many historic and notable sites within its immediate borders. Although the entire Salt Lake City metropolitan area is often referred to as "Salt Lake City", this article is concerned only with the buildings and sites within the official city limits of Salt Lake City.

<i>Deseret News</i> Newspaper published by the LDS Church

The Deseret News is a multi-platform newspaper based in Salt Lake City, published by Deseret News Publishing Company, a subsidiary of Deseret Management Corporation, which is owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Founded in 1850, it was the first newspaper to be published in Utah. The publication's name is from the geographic area of Deseret identified by Utah's pioneer settlers, and much of the publication's reporting is rooted in that region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">George A. Smith</span> Early leader in the Latter Day Saint movement

George Albert Smith was an early leader in the Latter Day Saint movement. He served in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and as a member of the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charles W. Penrose</span> American Mormon leader (1832–1925)

Charles William Penrose was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1904 to 1911. Penrose was also a member of the First Presidency, serving as a counselor to church presidents Joseph F. Smith and Heber J. Grant from 1911 until his death.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of Salt Lake City</span>

Originally, the Salt Lake Valley was inhabited by the Shoshone, Paiute, Goshute and Ute Native American tribes. At the time of the founding of Salt Lake City the valley was within the territory of the Northwestern Shoshone, who had their seasonal camps along streams within the valley and in adjacent valleys. One of the local Shoshone tribes, the Western Goshute tribe, referred to the Great Salt Lake as Pi'a-pa, meaning "big water", or Ti'tsa-pa, meaning "bad water". The land was treated by the United States as public domain; no aboriginal title by the Northwestern Shoshone was ever recognized by the United States or extinguished by treaty with the United States. Father Silvestre Vélez de Escalante, a Spanish Franciscan missionary is considered the first European explorer in the area in 1776, but only came as far north as Utah valley (Provo), some 60 miles south of the Salt Lake City area. The first US visitor to see the Salt Lake area was Jim Bridger in 1824. U.S. Army officer John C. Frémont surveyed the Great Salt Lake and the Salt Lake Valley in 1843 and 1845. The Donner Party, a group of ill-fated pioneers, traveled through the Great Salt Lake Valley a year before the Mormon pioneers. This group had spent weeks traversing difficult terrain and brush, cutting a road through the Wasatch Mountains, coming through Emigration canyon into the Salt Lake Valley on August 12, 1846. This same path would be used by the vanguard company of Mormon pioneers, and for many years after that by those following them to Salt Lake.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charles C. Rich</span> American Mormon pioneer and apostle (1809–1883)

Charles Coulson Rich was an early leader in the Latter Day Saint movement. He led one of the first groups of Mormon pioneers west from Illinois under the leadership of Brigham Young after Joseph Smith's murder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beehive House</span> Historic building in Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.

The Beehive House was one of the official residences of Brigham Young, the second President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. The Beehive House gets its name from the beehive sculpture atop the house.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St. George Utah Temple</span> Latter-day Saint Temple in St. George, Utah

The St. George Utah Temple, formerly known as the St. George Temple, is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in St. George, Utah. Completed in 1877, it was the third temple constructed by the church and the first in Utah, following the westward migration of members from Nauvoo, Illinois, after the death of church founder Joseph Smith.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gardo House</span> Former Gilded Age mansion in Salt Lake City, Utah

The Gardo House was a Gilded Age mansion in Salt Lake City, Utah. Built from 1873 to 1883, it became the official residence of the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during the tenures of John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff. It was later occupied by several different families from Salt Lake City's high society, before being demolished in 1921 to make way for the Federal Reserve's Salt Lake City branch building.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ensign Peak</span> Mountain peak above Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

Ensign Peak is a dome-shaped peak in the hills just north of downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. The peak and surrounding area are part of Ensign Peak Nature Park, which is owned by the city. The hill's summit is accessed via a popular hiking trail, and provides an elevated view of Salt Lake Valley and Great Salt Lake.

Bruce Clark Hafen is an American attorney, academic and religious leader. He has been a general authority of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since 1996.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">L. John Nuttall</span>

Leonard John Nuttall Sr. was a private secretary for John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff, and was a member of the Council of Fifty who kept a detailed journal of the early history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Richard Eyring "Rick" Turley Jr. is an American historian and genealogist. He previously served as both an Assistant Church Historian of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and as managing director of the church's public affairs department.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LDS Hospital</span> Hospital in Utah, United States

LDS Hospital is a general urban hospital and surgical center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The hospital was originally owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but is now owned and operated by Intermountain Healthcare (IHC). LDS Hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission. The hospital has 262 inpatient beds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jacob Hamblin House</span> Historic house in Utah, United States

The Jacob Hamblin House is a historic residence and museum located in Santa Clara, Utah. Jacob Hamblin was a Mormon pioneer and missionary who founded Santa Clara in 1854. The home was constructed for Hamblin by missionaries in 1863, following a flood that had destroyed the town, including Hamblin's original dwelling.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Council House (Salt Lake City)</span> Public/Government in Utah, United States

The Council House, often called the State House, was the first public building in Utah; being constructed in 1849–50. The building stood in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, on the corner of Main Street and South Temple Street. On June 21, 1883 the building was destroyed when a neighboring wagon depot caught fire and several barrels of gunpowder exploded, spreading the fire to the Council House.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mormon Pioneer Memorial Monument</span> Cemetery in Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.

The Mormon Pioneer Memorial Monument is a private cemetery and memorial. It is the burial site of Brigham Young and several of his wives and children. Part of the property was dedicated to the Mormon pioneers who died making the journey to Utah from Illinois and other parts of the world between 1847 and 1869.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brigham Young Forest Farmhouse</span> Historic home in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

The Brigham Young Forest Farmhouse is a historic home in Salt Lake City, Utah. The building was once owned by Brigham Young, an early leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and first governor of Utah Territory. Built between 1861 and 1863, it was located on Young's Forest Farm near the southern boundary of Salt Lake City. Restored from 1969 to 1970, the home was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, and subsequently relocated to This Is the Place Heritage Park in 1975.

References

  1. ↑ Rea, Dorothy O. (June 15, 1963). "Brigham Young Home: A place to display Pioneer Art Treasures". Church News . Salt Lake City. p. 6. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  2. ↑ Dykman, et al., 2002, pp. 208–209.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Old Homes To Be Dedicated". Church News . Salt Lake City. May 15, 1976. p. 3. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "NRHP nomination for Brigham Young's Winter Home and Office". National Park Service. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  5. ↑ "Plaque Placed On Brigham Young Home Here Sunday". Washington County News. St. George, Utah. June 5, 1947. p. 1.
  6. ↑ "Jedediah Morgan Gates Dies; Spent Many Years In St. George, South Utah". Washington County News. St. George, Utah. November 6, 1947. p. 12.
  7. ↑ "Winter Home Of Pioneer To Be Shrine". Deseret News and Telegram . Salt Lake City. June 6, 1955. p. 8A. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  8. ↑ "Sons of Utah Pioneers Meet at Brigham Young Home; Restoration Is Set". Washington County News. St. George, Utah. August 30, 1956. p. 6.
  9. ↑ Paulson, Jean R. (April 2, 1987). "Young's great-grandson helps save the old home". The Spectrum . St. George, Utah. p. 6.
  10. ↑ "Brigham Young's Home In Dixie Goes to State". The Salt Lake Tribune . Salt Lake City. October 9, 1959. p. 14D. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  11. ↑ "Utah Obtains Titles To 2 Famed Homes". Deseret News and Telegram . Salt Lake City. October 30, 1959. p. B1. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  12. ↑ "Crews Start Restoring Brigham Young Winter Home". The Salt Lake Tribune . Salt Lake City. January 10, 1962. p. 16. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  13. ↑ Lundstrom, Joseph (December 13, 1962). "Restoration Project Nearing Completion". Deseret News and Telegram . Salt Lake City. p. C9. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  14. ↑ "Restoring Pioneer Home New in State". Washington County News. St. George, Utah. June 13, 1963. p. 18.
  15. ↑ Rea, Dorothy O. (June 22, 1963). "Hallmark of Utah History, Dedicated". Church News . Salt Lake City. pp. 10–11. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  16. ↑ "Region Briefs: Ceremony Opens Brigham Young Home". The Salt Lake Tribune . Salt Lake City. June 15, 1963. p. 44. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  17. ↑ "Impressive Rites Open New Hawthorn Factory and Brigham's Home". Washington County News. St. George, Utah. June 20, 1963. p. 1.
  18. ↑ "State, church agree on swap of 3 properties". Deseret News . Salt Lake City. March 19, 1974. p. B1. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  19. ↑ "LDS Starts public tours of 2 homes". Deseret News . Salt Lake City. April 19, 1975. p. 8A. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  20. ↑ Heaton, Bill (June 5, 1976). "Pioneer Homes Dedicated". Church News . Salt Lake City. pp. 7, 14. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  21. ↑ Perkins, Nancy (June 7, 2003). "Brigham's home restored to original beauty". Church News . Salt Lake City. p. 14. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  22. ↑ Olsen, Rachel (June 1, 2003). "Brigham Young home reopens". The Spectrum . St. George, Utah. p. A1.

Bibliography

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.