Eagle Gate, Salt Lake City

The Eagle Gate in Salt Lake City is a historical monument that spans State Street at the intersection with South Temple, right in the heart of the city’s downtown area. This prominent arch was originally constructed in 1859 as an entrance to Brigham Young’s estate and served as the gateway to City Creek Canyon. With its iconic eagle and beehive sculpture, the monument has come to symbolize Salt Lake City's pioneer heritage and the industrious spirit of Utah.

The gate’s current iteration, designed in the 1960s, is a striking example of Mid-century modern architecture. Supported by four pillars with a steel frame covered in metal panels, the arch leads up to a keystone embellished with five-point stars. Atop this keystone rests a bronze eagle, a replica of the original wooden sculpture that once adorned the gate. This eagle, with a wingspan of 20 feet, is perched on a beehive—a symbolic nod to Utah’s nickname, “The Beehive State.” This enduring symbol of thrift and perseverance has been a part of Utah’s identity since the Mormon pioneer era when the beehive became an emblem of the early settlers’ industrious nature.

On the eastern side of the monument, a granite stone containing a time capsule lies between two pillars, accompanied by a plaque detailing the Eagle Gate’s history. Originally, the gate featured large wooden doors, which were closed nightly to secure Brigham Young’s extensive estate, including the Beehive House, Lion House, private offices, gardens, and various facilities. In 1891, the wooden gates were removed, and the entrance was expanded into a public street, with the eagle receiving a copper-plated finish on stone pillars. By 1960, after the original wood had deteriorated, the gate was rebuilt with an enlarged bronze eagle, solidifying its place as a tribute to the pioneers who established the state.

Today, the Eagle Gate remains one of Salt Lake City’s best-known landmarks, inspiring the names of several local businesses and buildings. As a monument to both historical roots and modern design, it continues to bridge the city’s pioneer legacy with its evolving urban identity.