Eagle Gate P.1

Three Mormon Beehives and an Eagle, Photograph by Darel McConkey. EAGLE GATE Preserved and rejuvenated, the bald eagle, which once guarded the entrance of the Brigham Young estate, perches with wings outspread to challenge the people who travel north on State Street. Under eagle eye at the gate, tolls were collected from those who sought fuel logs from City Creek Canyon. The taxes thus collected were used to maintain the canyon road. At sundown each evening the gate was closed and locked. The eagle was designed by Truman O. Angell, original architect of the Mormon Temple. In 1859 the bird was carved by Ralph Ramsey. Five blocks of wood were used for the body of the eagle and the beehive upon which it rests. Summer rains and winter snows beat upon it for more than thirty years before its weather-beaten form was copper coated and replaced atop the enlarged gate now spanning the street leading to the State Capitol.