GRAVE OF BRIGHAM YOUNG
PROPHET – PIONEER – STATESMAN

Born June 1, 1801, at Whitingham, Vermont Died August 29, 1877, at Salt Lake City, Utah Brigham Young, second President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints succeeded Joseph Smith, founder of the Church, who was martyred at Carthage, Illinois. He was chosen as leader of the people in 1844 and sustained as President of the Church December 27, 1847. Earlier that year he led the Mormon Pioneers from Winter Quarters (Omaha) to the Salt Lake Valley, arriving here July 24. In 1849 he became Governor of the Provisional State of Deseret and in 1850 Governor of the Territory of Utah. This tablet erected in honor of their beloved leader by the Young Men’s and Young Women’s Mutual Improvement Associations, which were organized under his direction.

See other historic markers in the series on this page for UPTLA/SUP Markers.

For a list of the presidents of the church and links to their gravesites click here.

This is located at 140 East First Avenue in the Avenues Historic District in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Brigham Young’s grave is a significant site in the Avenues Historic District. A green-lawned area, surrounded by an iron fence, the site marks the spot of Young’s burial. Brigham Young (1801-1877) served as L.D. S. Church President from 1847 until his death.

In May, 1974 the Sons of the Utah Pioneers “beautified” the grounds. They commissioned sculptor Edward J. Fraughton to fashion an eight-foot bronze statue which now marks the grave.

The site remains significant both because of Brigham Young’s importance as a Mormon and political leader and pioneer, as well as the general feeling of the grave an integral part of the Avenues. In addition, this is the only “family plot ” cemetery in the Avenues, and this portion of the area was owned by Young, close to his residence on South Temple.