Utah Southern Railroad
1872-present
The first symbolic spike of the LDS Church-owned Utah Southern Railroad was driven by Brigham Young on May 1, 1871. Track-laying began a month later. The 13 miles to Sandy were opened to traffic in September. By February of 1872 the line had reached Traverse Mountain, northwest of Lehi.
The first train chugged into Lehi amid the cheers of hundreds of townspeople accompanied by a lively band. Most of the enthusiastic crowd saw, for the first time, a steam locomotive with its huge blunderbuss smokestack and shrieking whistle.
The effect of the Utah Southern on Lehi was dramatic. Teamsters and bullwhackers transported goods to and from points south as well as timber and ore from the rich mines in American Fork Canyon and the Tintic District. State Street and Second East exploded with growth. Dozens of business establishments sprang up to service the railroad and its clientele. The railroad changed ownership multiple times over the ensuing decades.
The Jerry Harris family purchased the Utah Southern Railroad Depot and moved the original portion of the building to the Harris property north of the tracks at 813 North and 150 East. It remains the oldest still-standing railroad depot in Utah. In 1996, the structure was purchased by the Lehi Historical Preservation Commission, which was successful in listing the building on the National Register of Historical Places. In the late 1990s, the building was returned to its original location at 225 E. State St.
Utah Southern Railroad Historical Marker Unveiling
November 16, 2024
More than 100 people braved the cold and cloudy weather to attend the unveiling of the Utah Southern Railroad historical marker at the Utah Southern Railroad Depot.
“The Utah Southern Railroad had a dramatic effect on Lehi,” said Lee Anderson, a member of the Lehi Historical Society. “For nearly a year, Lehi was the end of the line. All passengers and freight coming to and from Utah Valley and southern Utah funneled through Lehi.”
Donald J. West and Darlene Van Werkhoven, grandchildren of Lehi’s Utah Southern Railroad Depot Stationmaster Rufus Jesse Stice, shared stories and touched on the history of the depot and its restoration.
Reminiscent of the band that played when the first train pulled into Lehi more than 150 years ago, the Lehi Silver Band treated the audience to two lively musical numbers.
The marker is the sixth of the Lehi Historical Maker Program.
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The Lehi Silver Band plays at the unveiling.
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Community and families gather at the newly installed historical marker.
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The community gathers for the Utah Southern Railroad Historical Marker Unveiling.
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The Utah Southern Railroad Historical Marker was unveiled on Nov. 16, 2024.
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Donald J. West, a grandson of Lehi’s Southern Utah Railroad Depot Stationmaster Rufus Jesse Stice, displayed a diorama of Lehi's historic depot and rail system.
Collector pins celebrate Lehi’s history and support the Lehi Historical Society
2-Piece Sliding Historical Marker Collector’s Edition
Celebrate one of Utah’s most iconic traditions with this commemorative Lehi RoundUp Rodeo Historical Marker Pin. Crafted from durable 2 mm-thick zinc alloy and finished in gleaming gold, this two-piece sliding hard enamel pin brings the spirit of Lehi’s summer celebration to life.
The front features the bold bucking bronco and cowboy from the iconic Lehi RoundUp Rodeo logo, set against a sunrise over the arena, a striped fence line, and a flying hat that captures the energy of the moment. The bronco and rider slide across the pin on a smooth track, adding an interactive element to this tribute to generations of cowboy grit and community pride. Trimmed with a textured embossed gold rope edge, it’s built to stand out.
Product Details:
Two-piece sliding hard enamel pin
Made from 2 mm-thick zinc alloy with gold finish
Features the Lehi RoundUp Rodeo logo with bronco, rider, and flying hat
Measures 2 inches wide
Double-posted with rubber clutches for secure display
Raised Lehi Historical Society emblem on the back
Since 1937, the Lehi RoundUp has brought together neighbors and visitors for parades, art shows, concerts, and thrilling nights of rodeo action. From Rodeo Burgers and dirt dances to the unforgettable Stock Parade, this pin honors the heritage and heart of Lehi RoundUp Week.
Whether you're a lifelong local, a rodeo regular, or a collector of meaningful memorabilia, this pin is a timeless keepsake of Lehi’s history and hometown pride.
Celebrate a Lehi icon with this Historical Marker collector pin honoring Broadbent’s Store, the longest-running business in Lehi’s history and a cornerstone of the community for 135 years.
Soft enamel with black dyed metal plating
Features the vintage neon Broadbent’s sign installed in 1954
Measures 1.25 inches in length
Single-post backing with secure rubber cover
Perfect for collectors, history lovers, and proud Lehi locals
Founded in 1882 by English immigrants Joseph and Sarah Broadbent, the store was passed down through four generations and became known for offering everything from dry goods to fine fabrics. It sold the first bag of sugar produced by the Lehi Sugar Factory and served as a trusted hub for generations of families. The iconic neon sign, featured in this pin, hung proudly from 1954 until the store’s closing in 2017. Today, the arched windows of the Lehi Police Department pay tribute to the building that once stood in its place.
A nostalgic keepsake celebrating a legacy of service, family, and small-town pride.
Celebrate one of Utah’s most iconic landmarks with this beautifully crafted Historical Marker collector pin. Featuring the historic Lehi Roller Mills in striking detail, this enamel pin captures the distinctive architecture and nostalgic charm of the century-old mill, known for its role in Footloose and its deep roots in Lehi’s agricultural heritage.
Premium soft enamel with gold-toned metal
Accurate architectural rendering of the Roller Mills
Measures 2 in wide
Double-post backing with secure rubber covers for added stability
Perfect for collectors, history lovers, and proud Lehi locals
A timeless keepsake honoring the heart of Lehi’s past.
Purchase collector marker pins to show your Lehi spirit and support for the Lehi Historical Marker Program and the Lehi Historical Society. There are currently 15 pins available.
225 E. State St. Lehi, Utah 84043
MARKER LOCATION