Utah Stories recently highlighted some obscure Salt Lake City history: tunnels under the streets of Salt Lake connecting some of the more prominent historic landmarks.
Author James Kirk explores rumors surrounding the existence of these secretive tunnels but he also explains that these tunnels are not unusual given the historic context of the time they were constructed.
Kirk explains that most major cities have an underground tunnel network, a common feature of cities over 100 years old. These tunnels connect buildings as well as provide for maintenance access to water and other utilities pipes.
An example of the tunnel system still in use beneath Salt Lake City is the downtown Mormon Temple tunnels: many of the temple patrons have used these tunnels to access the baptism and wedding ceremonies. According to Kirk, “most describe them as wide, well-lit, ventilated, comfortably heated, carpeted, and boring.”
An early description of Salt Lake’s underground was recorded by John Nuttal in 1889. Nuttal describes tunnels connecting the Salt Lake Temple and the annex building as well as other prominent downtown building such as the old Hotel Utah (now the Joseph Smith Memorial Building). The explanation for the existence of the tunnels is as simple as enabling Mormon Church officials to walk from their offices to the temple without waling through inclement weather or exposing themselves to the public.
Other tunnels exist beneath downtown Salt Lake City that are not associated with the Mormon Church, Kirk also highlights the tunnels under Washington Square in which tunnels connect the Salt Lake City and County Building with the former Salt Lake City Jail (now the site of the Salt Lake City Library). This tunnel was used to transport prisoners between the two buildings in a secure setting.
Sources and External Links
Utah Stories: What Lies Beneath
Comments