Emigration Square/Washington Square Pioneer Campground

Visit Washington Square in Salt Lake City, Utah.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

400 South Street and State Street, Salt Lake City, Utah

MANAGED BY:

Salt Lake City and County

For several years, emigrants on their way to California corralled their cattle and camped here during their stay in Salt Lake City. Later, the livestock pens were moved outside of the city. The 1894 City and County Building occupies the site today, and a monument commemorating the Mormon pioneers is located at the northwest corner of the square. (The monument is erroneous in stating that the vanguard Mormon pioneers camped at this location — the 1847 vanguard pioneer company camped on the banks of City Creek, southwest of what is now Exchange Place, the nights of July 23-25, 1847. The area is now occupied by buildings and the creek is channeled through an underground conduit.)

As the Mormon pioneers approached the Salt Lake Valley, they split into four groups: a party of scouts at the front; a party of roadbuilders; the main camp of pioneers; and then Brigham Young, who was sick with Mountain Fever, with a caretaker, two days later. The scouts, roadbuilders, and main camp merged at the mouth of Emigration Canyon, where they had to break through the limestone ledge that had forced the Donner Party to crawl up out of the canyon. They entered the valley together the following day, July 22, and then moved to City Creek (downtown) on July 23. Brigham Young didn’t reach the valley until July 24.

Curbside parking is available on the streets bordering Washington Square.
Site Information

Location (400 South Street and State Street, Salt Lake City, Utah).

 

Safety Considerations

Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail

California National Historic Trail

Mormon Pioneer Trail: Salt Lake City Itinerary

This site is on the Salt Lake City Itinerary. Each site provides the opportunity to experience and learn about Salt Lake City, a pioneer waystation as well as a destination, and its rich combined history of the Mormon Pioneer, Pony Express, and California national historic trails.