Temple Square
In 1847, when Mormon pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, President Brigham Young selected a 10-acre plot of ground that was designated for the Salt Lake Temple. This plot became known as Temple Square. It also became the headquarters for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Old Tabernacle and endowment house were also built on the square but were later torn down. In 1867 the famous Salt Lake Tabernacle was built with a seating capacity of 6,000. Today Temple Square also features two visitor’s centers, one of which houses a replica of a statue by artist Bertel Thorvaldsen called the Christus.
As the church has grown, several new buildings have been built and have expanded the headquarters into the surrounding blocks. An administration building and the LDS Church Office Building hold the Apostles offices. In 1995, the Hotel Utah was remodeled as additional office space. A museum and genealogy library are located on the block west of Temple Square, and in 2001, the church completed a new 21,000-seat Conference Center.
Temple Square has become a popular tourist attraction, with five million visitors annually, more than the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone National Park. Many tours and events are held to accommodate visitors. The grounds are covered with beautiful gardens and hold musical concerts and other events every day. During the Christmas holiday season, thousands of lights sparkle from trees and shrubs around the square. The lighting of this event is so popular, it is attended by hundreds each year.
Other links: http://www.visittemplesquare.com/home.asp www.lds.org http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_Square
