Birds-Eye View of Ogden 1875

This captivating panoramic print, titled "Birds Eye View of Ogden City, Utah, Ty. 1875," provides a detailed aerial perspective of Ogden during its territorial period. Expertly drawn by E.S. Glover and lithographed by Strobridge & Co., the image meticulously captures the city's organized grid street plan, a common feature of many developing Western towns. Numerous structures, ranging from individual homes to more substantial commercial and civic buildings, are depicted with remarkable clarity, offering insights into the architectural styles and density of the settlement at the time. The imposing Wasatch Mountains in the background create a dramatic natural setting for the burgeoning urban area. The Weber River meanders through the foreground, underscoring its crucial role as a water source and a key geographical element influencing Ogden's location and growth.

The print includes a comprehensive index at the bottom, identifying numerous key locations within the city, providing a valuable historical record of its important institutions. The index lists several churches, including the Episcopal Church, Congregational Church, Methodist Church, and Catholic Church. Additionally, it identifies the "First Ward" and "Second Ward," which, in the context of Ogden's history, were meetinghouses for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), or Mormon ward houses. These ward houses served not only as places of worship but also as important community centers, highlighting the significant presence and influence of the LDS community in Ogden's early development. Beyond religious buildings, the index also points out educational institutions like the Ogden Seminary and Central School House, alongside commercial enterprises such as the Gas Works, City Hall, and several flouring mills, indicating the evolving economic landscape of Ogden in the late 19th century. The depiction of what appear to be railway lines hints at Ogden's growing significance as a transportation hub in the region.

As a significant historical artifact preserved by the Library of Congress, this print serves as an invaluable primary source for understanding the urban development and geographical context of Ogden City in 1875. Its creation during the territorial period offers a snapshot of a crucial time before Utah achieved statehood. The "Birds Eye" perspective, a popular cartographic style of the era, provided a comprehensive visual representation of the city, serving both as an informative tool and a source of civic pride for residents and a promotional piece for potential newcomers. The print likely served various purposes, from fostering community identity to aiding in property identification and navigation within the expanding city. Its continued accessibility through the Library of Congress allows researchers and the public to connect with this visual history of Ogden and gain a deeper understanding of its past.

Survey Date: 1875, reprinted in 2025

Dimensions: 17.25" x 22" (approximate) or 27" x 36"