A Salty Surprise

Summary

This is an abstract from the "Exploring the Recent Past" session, at the 2019 annual meeting of the Society for Historical Archaeology.

In hopes of making Utah Territory seem more metropolitan and 'normal', the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints embarked on the construction of one of the most unique resorts in all of the United States. The Saltair Resort, opened in 1893, was located deep into the briny reaches of the Great Salt Lake. Advertised for both recreation (swimming, bathing, eating, etc.) and restorative opportunities from the salty waters, the Saltair Resort's moorish architecture ushered in a unique part of Utah history. Completely destroyed twice by conflagrations, the 1893-1970 story of the Saltair Resort is uniquely Utah, and has left a remarkable archaeological legacy. Conflicts between treasure hunters and archaeologists has also recently hit the mainstream media, and this once-forgotten resort is now again at the forefront of Utah dialogue.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for Historical Archaeology 2019   •
• Exploring the Recent Past

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 426