Historic Points of Interest in Downtown Ogden

2104 Lincoln Ave - The Daughters of Utah Pioneers (DUP) Museum in Ogden, Utah, is a significant historical institution dedicated to preserving and sharing the legacy of early pioneers who settled in the region. Housed in the historic Relief Society Building at 2104 Lincoln Avenue, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into pioneer life through a diverse collection of artifacts. These include pottery, Native American artifacts, farm equipment, and firearms, as well as exhibits depicting a pioneer-era kitchen, bedroom, and parlor.

The Relief Society Building itself holds historical importance. Commissioned by Brigham Young in 1877 and constructed with funds raised by Relief Society sisters, the building was dedicated on July 19, 1902. It is the only known Stake Relief Society Hall built by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Originally located within what is now Tabernacle Square in Ogden, the building was moved in 2012 to its current location to accommodate the expansion of the LDS Temple.

The museum operates from mid-May to mid-September, welcoming visitors Thursday through Saturday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Admission is free, and the museum offers group tours by appointment. For more information or to schedule a tour, you can contact the museum at (801) 393-4460.

2501 Wall Avenue- Ogden's Union Station has stood as a symbol of the city’s role in American railroad history since the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad. The original station, built in 1869 shortly after the joining of the rails at Promontory Summit, was a modest two-story wooden structure. It quickly became a bustling hub for passengers and freight as anyone traveling east to west had to stop in Ogden.

As rail traffic increased, a larger, more permanent depot was needed. In 1889, a second Union Station was constructed in the Romanesque Revival style, featuring brick and stone and providing enhanced amenities to meet the growing demands of the railroad industry. Tragically, this structure was destroyed by fire in 1923, prompting the construction of the third—and current—Union Station. Completed in 1924, the new building was designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, with grand arched windows and a red tile roof, reflecting the architectural trends of the era. For decades, it served as a key interchange point between the Union Pacific and Southern Pacific railroads, solidifying Ogden's nickname as the "Crossroads of the West." Today, Union Station houses the Utah State Railroad Museum, Browning Firearms Museum, Browning Kimball Car Museum, and the Utah Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

2522 Wall Ave- The Royal Hotel was constructed in 1914 and is a significant historical landmark situated in Ogden's Lower 25th Street Historic District. Originally serving as lodging for blue-collar railroad workers and travelers, the hotel became a cornerstone of the community during a period of rapid growth and diversification in Ogden's transportation and railroad district. In the 1920s and 1930s, it provided housing for many Basque immigrants from the Pyrenees region of France and Spain, who had come to work in the wool and sheep industry, which was largely dependent on rail transportation until the early 1940s.

During the 1940s, the Royal Hotel became one of the few accommodations available to African Americans due to segregation, and it also served as an office for Black military police during World War II. In 1943, Leager V. Davis, an African American businesswoman from Louisiana, purchased the hotel. She transformed it into a gathering place for the local Black community, hosting meetings for organizations such as the NAACP, YWCA, and the governor’s Anti-Discrimination Board. Davis was an active leader in Ogden’s Black community and was honored with an achievement award by the NAACP in recognition of her contributions.

The Royal Hotel was rehabilitated in the early 2000s and now operates as the Royal Hotel Apartments, providing affordable housing in the heart of downtown Ogden.

127 25th Street- The Porters and Waiters Club, established in the 1930s, was a significant cultural and social hub for African Americans during the era of segregation. Owned and operated by Anna Belle and Billy Wheatley, the club provided a welcoming space for Black railroad workers, travelers, and musicians who were often denied accommodations and services elsewhere due to discriminatory practices. The Wheatleys, who had roots in Alabama, recognized the need for such a venue in Ogden, a major railroad junction city where Black patrons had limited options for lodging and entertainment. Their establishment not only offered a place to stay but also featured live jazz performances, attracting renowned artists like Duke Ellington and B.B. King.

The club's location was strategic, situated near Union Station, making it a convenient stop for many. In addition to its role in the music scene, the Porters and Waiters Club was one of only two Black-owned hotels in Ogden at the time, alongside the Royal Hotel, providing essential services to a community often marginalized in the broader society. Today, the legacy of Wheatley’s establishment is preserved through historical accounts and exhibits, such as those at the Union Station Museum, highlighting the club's importance in Ogden's African American history.

2541 Washington Boulevard- The Ogden/Weber Municipal Building is a prominent example of Art Deco architecture that was part of the city's development during the Great Depression. Constructed between 1938 and 1940, the building was a collaborative effort between Ogden City and Weber County to consolidate municipal functions into a single, modern facility. The project was funded in part by the Public Works Administration (PWA), a New Deal agency that provided federal assistance for public infrastructure projects during the economic downturn. Designed by the esteemed local architectural firm Hodgson & McClenahan, the structure features warm brick and glazed terra cotta materials, characteristic of the Art Deco style.

The building's construction was carried out by George A. Whitmeyer & Sons, a local contractor. Upon its completion, the Ogden/Weber Municipal Building became a central hub for local government, housing city and county offices, and symbolizing the community's resilience and progress during challenging times. In recognition of its architectural and historical significance, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

2510 Washington Blvd- The history of the Bigelow–Ben Lomond Hotel begins with the Reed Hotel, a five-story brick structure built in 1891 at the corner of 25th Street and Washington Boulevard in Ogden, Utah. As Ogden grew into a bustling railroad and commercial hub, the Reed Hotel served as a prominent lodging and social center for several decades. By the mid-1920s, the need for a grander and more modern hotel prompted the demolition of the Reed in 1926 to make way for the luxurious Bigelow Hotel.

Opened in 1927, the Bigelow was commissioned by banker Archie P. Bigelow and designed by local architects Hodgson & McClenahan in the ornate Italian Renaissance Revival style. Its lavish interior featured themed rooms such as an Arabic-style coffee shop, a Florentine banquet hall, and the Shakespeare Room adorned with murals by renowned Utah artist LeConte Stewart. The hotel quickly became a political and cultural landmark, notably hosting the 1928 Western Democrats convention. In 1933, the property was purchased by financier Marriner S. Eccles and renamed the Ben Lomond Hotel, under which it operated for more than four decades.

After changes in ownership and usage, including time as a Radisson hotel, it was restored to its original Bigelow name in 2017 and later converted into The Bigelow Apartments in 2019, preserving its architectural grandeur and storied legacy in Ogden's historic downtown.

507 25th Street- The Forest Service Building is a historic structure that has played a key role in the management and conservation of the region’s vast forested lands. Built in the early 20th century, the building served as the headquarters for the U.S. Forest Service’s Wasatch-Cache National Forest, overseeing efforts to protect and sustainably manage millions of acres of forest, watershed, and wildlife habitat. Its location in Ogden was strategic, providing easy access to the nearby mountains and national forests.

Over the decades, the building has witnessed the evolution of forest management practices, from early fire suppression efforts to modern conservation and recreation planning.

2580 Jefferson Avenue- The Eccles Community Art Center is housed in a distinguished Victorian mansion built in 1893 for businessman James C. Armstrong. In 1896, the residence was purchased by David Eccles, a prominent industrialist and Utah's first multimillionaire, and his wife, Bertha. The couple raised their twelve children in the home, which became a hub for social and civic activities under Bertha's stewardship. She hosted meetings for various organizations, including the Girl Scouts, whose first Utah unit was organized there on May 15, 1920.

Following Bertha's passing, the Eccles family honored her wish for the home to serve educational and cultural purposes by donating it to Weber State College in 1948, where it functioned as a women's dormitory. In 1959, the Ogden Arts Council acquired the property, transforming it into a community art center. Today, the Eccles Community Art Center offers art exhibitions, classes, and cultural events, preserving the legacy of the Eccles family and their contributions to Ogden's cultural heritage.

514 24th Street- Saint Joseph's Cathedral showcases Ogden's rich religious and architectural heritage. The church was dedicated in 1902, following the purchase of the property in 1889. Designed by local architect Francis C. Woods, the building exemplifies the English Gothic architectural style, characterized by its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. Constructed from buff and salmon sandstone, the church's design reflects the influence of European ecclesiastical architecture of the period. The Rt. Rev. Patrick M. Cushnahan, a respected leader, played a significant role in the church's construction and the development of the diocese.

385 24th Street- Constructed in 1913 and commissioned by the influential Eccles family, particularly David Eccles—a prominent entrepreneur and Utah's first multimillionaire—the Eccles Building was designed by renowned architect Leslie S. Hodgson in the Chicago Commercial style. This eight-story steel-framed structure became a hub for various professional and business offices, reflecting Ogden's burgeoning status as a commercial center.

Over the decades, the building underwent several transformations, serving different purposes while retaining its historical significance. In 2003, after extensive renovations, it reopened as the Hampton Inn & Suites, seamlessly blending modern hospitality with its rich historical roots. Today, guests can appreciate the building's preserved architectural details while enjoying contemporary amenities, making it a unique lodging experience that honors Ogden's heritage.

2415 Washington Blvd- Peery’s Egyptian Theater is one of Ogden’s most iconic historic landmarks, a golden age movie palace that harkens back to the nationwide fascination with ancient Egypt in the 1920s. The theater was commissioned by brothers Harmon and Louis Peery and opened its doors on July 3, 1924. Designed by the prestigious Chicago architectural firm of Hodgson & McClenahan, the building was styled in the popular Egyptian Revival motif, featuring ornate columns, lotus flower details, and colorful hieroglyphics that transported moviegoers into a world of exotic splendor.

Originally built as a silent movie and vaudeville house, the theater could seat over 1,200 patrons and included a Wurlitzer pipe organ to accompany silent films. As times changed, the theater transitioned to sound films and remained a cultural centerpiece for decades. Eventually falling into disrepair, it was closed for many years until a major restoration in the 1990s brought it back to life as part of the Ogden Eccles Conference Center. Today, Peery’s Egyptian Theater is a fully restored performance venue, hosting film screenings, live performances, and community events—honoring its rich past while serving as a vibrant cultural anchor for downtown Ogden.

315 24th Street- The Berthana (Above Union Grill) was constructed in 1914 and officially opened on May 27, 1915. The building was a collaborative endeavor funded by the Thomas D. Dee Company and the David Eccles Estate. Its name, "Berthana," is a portmanteau honoring the wives of these prominent businessmen—Bertha Eccles and Anna Dee. Designed as a grand ballroom, the Berthana quickly became a central hub for social gatherings, hosting elegant dances and events that attracted Ogden's elite.

Over time, the building adapted to changing entertainment trends, transforming into a roller-skating rink known as the Berthana Roller Rink, while still retaining its original charm. After several decades of varied use and a period of vacancy, the Berthana underwent significant renovations in the early 21st century, revitalizing its historic features.

298 24th Street- The Old Post Office Building is a significant example of early 20th-century government architecture. Constructed between 1905 and 1909 at a cost of $320,000, the building was designed in the Classical Revival style by Supervising Architect James Knox Taylor. It originally served as both a U.S. Post Office and a federal courthouse, reflecting Ogden's importance as a transportation and legal center in the region. The structure is characterized by its five-bay wide, three-story sandstone facade, with central pedimented projections on each side.

In 1930, the building was expanded with an addition that included four bays to the west and one to the north, incorporating attached Corinthian columns to maintain its architectural integrity. The interior features a grand marble main floor lobby and two-story courtrooms, which, as of 1978, retained their original wood paneling. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, recognizing its architectural and historical significance. Today, the Old Post Office Building has been repurposed for commercial use, offering office suites that blend historic charm with modern functionality.

Northwest corner of 23rd Street and Kiesel Ave- Sarah E. Anderson (1853–1900) was a pioneering political figure from Ogden, Utah, and one of the first women elected to the Utah State Legislature. Born in Weber County, she married Dr. Porter Anderson and raised five children. After her husband died in 1888, she managed his estate and became active in the women's suffrage movement. In 1895, she challenged a registrar's refusal to register her to vote, a case that reached the territorial Supreme Court, which ultimately ruled against her. Nevertheless, she continued her advocacy, and in 1896, following Utah's statehood and the restoration of women's suffrage, she was elected to the state legislature, serving from 1897 to 1899.

During her term, Sarah E. Anderson chaired the House Committee on Public Health and introduced legislation on public safety and education, including a bill to teach students about the effects of narcotics. Though her bills did not pass, her efforts paved the way for future women legislators. She passed away in 1900 at the age of 47, remembered as a trailblazer for women in politics.