I had the pleasure this week of serving as the keynote speaker at the Utah America 250 celebration and discussing my book, Rage and the Republic: The Unfinished Story of the American Revolution. Before flying back to Washington, I had an opportunity to walk around this stunning city.

It has been many years since I litigated the Sister Wives case in Salt Lake City, spending considerable time here and other parts of the state. This remains the cleanest major city in the United States. It seems almost spotless with beautiful parks and gardens. I walked around for hours and did not see a single piece of trash or graffiti.

It remains a great walking city and, despite the major additions and changes, it has not lost its character. It is simply more cosmopolitan and diverse.

When I first came to the city, there were still “Zion curtains” used to serve drinks, and you had to join a “private club” to order one (the price was applied to your first drink). Now the city is packed with bars and there is a growing diverse population.

Another change is also a larger homeless population. While not nearly as large as cities such as San Francisco, it was something that I did not encounter in prior years.

I spent a few hours walking to take in the city, and I remain enamored by this unique place surrounded by the gorgeous Wasatch Range to the east and the Oquirrh Mountains to the west. As some of you know on the blog, I truly love Utah. As a backpacker, it remains one of my favorite destinations in the world.

I wanted to share a few pictures in the hope that you might visit.

I started with a visit to the old City Hall building. This 1891 building is an architectural delight as an example of the Richardsonian Romanesque style. Named after American architect Henry Hobson Richardson, the style incorporates 11th- and 12th-century southern French, Spanish, and Italian Romanesque characteristics. This is a wonderful example of the genre.

Inside, there are displays with the flags of the Utah Winter Olympics as well as gifts from the sister city in Japan, Matsumoto.

 

The building was viewed at the time as an effort of the non-Mormon city council to outdo the Mormon tabernacle. The grounds are now the scene of lovely foundations and open park areas. However, it was once the city’s center for cattle shows and other events.

I then walked to Temple Square, with its soaring tabernacle, lovely gardens, and art.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I then continued to the greatest highlight of the outing: a visit to the state capitol. There may be more beautiful capital buildings, but I have not seen them. The imposing structure overlooks the city, with snow-capped mountains in the distance.

Located at the foot of Capitol Hill is the old council building, which was replaced by the City Hall building.

 

The Neoclassical revival Corinthian-style building was designed by Richard K.A. Kletting, who broke ground in 1912. Behind the Capitol building are government buildings and a statuary garden. It includes a memorial to Martha Hughes Cannon, a trailblazing doctor and teacher.

Entering the building is spellbinding. The soaring rotunda is topped by massive murals on themes such as the Passing of the Wagons and the Madonna of the Wagon. Both murals are signed by artists Girard Hale and Gilbert White.

 

When I visited, a wedding was being held under the great dome. It is hard to find a space to match this for a wedding, as the groom in his military uniform and his bride in her lovely wedding gown only added to the inspiring feel of this building.

You can visit the House and Senate chambers as well as the Supreme Court chambers.

These buildings and this city reflect the immense pride that Utahns have for their state.  You will not meet a nicer community with people eager to tell you about their city. I have previously recommended visiting this state, particularly its majestic state and federal parks. However, you must leave time to experience Salt Lake City, which is a true American gem nestled among the mountains. Trust me, it is worth your time.

Thank you, Salt Lake City.