Meridian Monument

What secrets does a simple stone hold? Here at the Meridian Monument, a seemingly unassuming marker whispers tales of a city’s birth. The Meridian Monument, located right here in the heart of Salt Lake City, isn’t just a stone. It’s the very heart of the city, the point from which all streets are named and numbered. It’s a legacy etched in stone, a testament to the vision of Brigham Young and the tireless work of Orson Pratt. In the summer of 1847, Brigham Young declared this valley the new home for the Mormon pioneers. He immediately designated a spot for a temple and tasked Orson Pratt with surveying the surrounding area. Pratt, assisted by Henry G. Sherwood, established the Great Salt Lake Base and Meridian on August 3, 1847. This point became the center of “Great Salt Lake City”. The city streets extended outward from this central point, creating the grid system that still defines Salt Lake City today. Years later, in 1855, David H. Burr, the first U.S. Surveyor-General for Utah, solidified this point’s importance. He placed a stone monument here, marking the initial point of public land surveys in Utah. This very spot also served as an astronomical station. George W. Dean established a station just north and west of the Meridian Monument in 1869. This station helped determine the true latitude and longitude of Salt Lake City and provided accurate time until 1897. The original sandstone marker, carved by Benjamin Thomas Mitchell, stood for over a century. However, time and weather took their toll. In 1989, a replica was created from sandstone from the same quarry and placed here. The original now resides in the LDS Church History Museum. Interestingly, there’s a slight discrepancy between Pratt’s original survey and the actual coordinates. This difference, about 27 degrees, is a testament to the limitations of the surveying equipment of the time. Yet, despite this minor error, Pratt’s chosen point remains the heart of Salt Lake City. The Meridian Monument isn’t just a piece of stone; it’s a symbol of the city’s origins, a testament to the pioneers’ resilience, and a reminder that even small markers can hold immense significance. So, as you stand here, at the very center of it all, take a moment to appreciate the stories whispered by this unassuming monument. It speaks of vision, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of a city built from the ground up.