Perched high above State Street stands Eagle Gate a majestic arch. It’s a Salt Lake City icon a symbol of the city’s pioneering spirit.
Eagle Gate wasn’t always an arch though. In 1859 Brigham Young had a wooden gate built. This gate marked the entrance to his property and City Creek Canyon. An eagle perched atop a beehive adorned the gate. This gave the landmark its name.
The original wooden gate was quite substantial. It stood 8 to 9 feet high. Its eagle sculpture had a 16-foot wingspan. The gate allowed two wagons to pass comfortably. Hiram B Clawson designed it perhaps with help from Truman O Angell the church architect. Legend says Angell killed an eagle near City Creek Canyon for the model.
The gate caused social problems for Young’s children. The high walls surrounding the property made it difficult for them to socialize. They often climbed over the walls or snuck through an office gate.
Over time the city removed Young’s walls. They kept the gate’s pillars arch and sculpture. The gate was rebuilt twice. First in the 1890s and again in the 1960s.
The 1890s rebuild was necessary because of the streetcar system. The streetcars ran through the archway. The wooden arches rotted. The streetcar companies had to rebuild it to add height and width.
Later the Eagle Gate was damaged in an accident. A truck carrying a bulldozer clipped an arch. This led to another rebuild. The 1960s version is a striking example of mid-century modern design.
The current Eagle Gate’s eagle sculpture is impressive. It’s 20 feet wide 10 feet long and 5 feet 4 inches tall. It weighs a hefty 4000 pounds. Its bronze alloy is mostly copper. It is a true testament to Salt Lake City’s heritage. A time capsule lies beneath its gaze a tangible link to the past. The Eagle Gate remains a beloved landmark. It represents the city’s growth and resilience. It reminds us of the pioneers and their enduring legacy.