Beehive and Lion House

Beehive and Lion Houses, Salt Lake City – Utah, United States, c. 1875–1883

This rare elevated view shows the Beehive and Lion Houses in Salt Lake City during the late 19th century, offering a glimpse into the early development of the Mormon capital in the American West.

At the center of the image stands the Beehive House, once the residence of Brigham Young, leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a key figure in the settlement of Utah. Nearby is the Lion House, recognizable by its distinctive architectural style and its role as both a residence and community space.

Surrounded by modest homes, trees, and unpaved streets, the scene reflects a growing but still frontier-like city, nestled against the dramatic backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains.

Photographs like this capture a formative moment in the history of Salt Lake City—when its identity, architecture, and community were just beginning to take shape.

📍 Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
📅 Circa 1875–1883
📸 Charles Roscoe Savage