The Founding: July 24, 1847
The founding of Salt Lake City is one of the most well-documented events in Western history.
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- “This is the Right Place”: On July 24, 1847, Brigham Young, the leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, entered the valley. Looking out over the arid landscape, he famously declared it the place where his people would seek refuge and religious freedom.
- Immediate Action: Unlike typical boomtowns that grew chaotically, Salt Lake City was planned with military precision from day one. Within days of arrival, the pioneers had diverted water from City Creek for irrigation, planted crops, and begun laying out the city grid based…