In the heart of Salt Lake City, nestled along the historic South Temple Street, stands a home that has witnessed the growth of Utah, religious revolution, political power, and whispers of the paranormal. The Beehive House is not just a beautifully preserved 19th-century mansion; it is a living time capsule of the early days of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and the life of one of its most prominent leaders: Brigham Young. But for ghost hunters and history buffs alike, the Beehive House holds more than relics of the past—it might just house ghosts of it too. This is your guide to uncovering the story, secrets, and spectral legends of this iconic American landmark.
The History
Home of a Prophet and Pioneer
The Beehive House was constructed in 1854 by architect Truman O. Angell, who also designed the Salt Lake Temple. Commissioned by Brigham Young, the second President of the LDS Church and then-Governor of the Utah Territory, the house served as his official residence and office.
The name “Beehive House” derives from the beehive symbol adorning its roof, a representation of industry and cooperation—pillars of the early Mormon faith. Bees and beehives were significant to pioneers in the Utah Territory, even appearing on the state emblem and flag, earning Utah its nickname, “The Beehive State.”
Family, Faith, and Politics
Brigham Young was a central figure not just religiously but also politically. He held office as Governor of the Utah Territory from 1851 to 1858 and used the Beehive House as both a personal residence and a place for hosting political and religious meetings.
Due to the practice of plural marriage within the LDS faith at the time, Young had numerous wives, and the home housed many of them as well as dozens of children. There are accounts suggesting up to 20 family members lived in or frequented the house. The eastern wing and nearby Lion House were used to accommodate his large family.
The home was unique in many ways for the time period. It included servant quarters, private family areas, and business offices. Each room was used to reflect Young’s dual roles as both religious leader and statesman. Lavish yet purposeful, the Beehive House symbolized order, prosperity, and spiritual leadership in the early Mormon community.
A House with Presidential Visitors
Over the years, the Beehive House became more than a family dwelling. It was an epicenter for community and organizational purposes. Dignitaries and prominent figures such as Mark Twain, President Ulysses S. Grant, and others visited the mansion during their travels through the West. Twain, in his usual humorous way, even mentioned the house in his travel writings, remarking with fascination about Brigham Young’s large family and organized household.
From Residence to Museum
After Brigham Young’s death in 1877, the house passed through several stages of ownership and use. It served briefly as an office building and even a guest home for church-related visitors. In the mid-20th century, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints restored the Beehive House and opened it as a museum in 1960. Vintage furnishings, period-appropriate decor, and knowledgeable guides help recreate the life and legacy of Brigham Young, making it a hotspot for both tourists and history buffs alike.
But not every story inside those walls has been recorded in history books.
The Haunt
Paranormal Whispers from the Beehive
Though not as widely advertised in tourist brochures, the Beehive House is no stranger to tales of the paranormal. While official sources remain mum on ghostly matters, local legends and testimonies from past visitors, staff, and paranormal researchers suggest a vibrant undercurrent of spiritual activity beneath the historical façade.
Disembodied Voices and Footsteps
One of the most commonly reported paranormal encounters in the Beehive House is the sound of heavy, dragging footsteps across the wooden floors—especially in the early morning hours or after the museum has closed. Tour guides and overnight maintenance crews have reported hearing the echo of someone pacing back and forth, even when the building is locked and empty.
Some have claimed to hear the soft rustling of skirts and whispering voices in the upstairs bedrooms. These phenomena are often accompanied by a sudden drop in temperature and a feeling of being watched. The parlor and main staircase are hotspots for such occurrences, with some visitors catching brief glimpses of shadowy figures from the corners of their eyes.
The Woman in the Yellow Dress
Local legends speak of an apparition known as “The Woman in the Yellow Dress”—believed to be one of Brigham Young’s wives who died under mysterious circumstances. She is said to appear near the east wing, gazing out the window or gliding silently down the hallway. A few guests have even claimed to catch her reflection in the mirror, only to turn and find the room empty.
Her identity remains a mystery, but her presence has become a staple among the more chilling tales told about the home. Paranormal enthusiasts often ask specifically about this spirit while touring the mansion, although guides typically refer to such accounts as “local folklore.”
Unsettled Spirits or Echoes of the Faithful?
Some paranormal theorists speculate that the lingering energies in the Beehive House are not necessarily malevolent. Residual hauntings—ghostly imprints left by individuals who frequented the space—could provide an explanation. Given the intense spiritual, emotional, and communal energy that once filled the home, it makes sense that echoes of the past remain vivid and reactive.
Others suggest intelligent hauntings are at play, citing EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) and odd readings picked up by EMF meters during private investigations. While official paranormal investigations are not publicly endorsed by the LDS Church, some small groups have managed to gain special permission to explore the site after hours, reporting everything from unexplained knocking to orbs captured on infrared cameras.
Haunted or Holy?
Like many historic LDS buildings, the Beehive House stands as a complex symbol—equal part spiritual sanctuary and historical artifact. Whether the energy is divine or paranormal is up to interpretation, but there’s no denying the building leaves a powerful impression.
For influencers and serious ghost hunters alike, the Beehive House continues to be more than just a museum. It’s a mystery—vibrant, alive, and maybe just a little haunted.
Should You Visit?
If you’re a ghost hunter with a love for American history, the Beehive House deserves a spot on your bucket list. Its rich legacy, beautiful architecture, and enigmatic atmosphere make it an ideal destination for those in search of more than just your average haunted location. Surrounded by other historic Salt Lake City landmarks, it offers a full day’s worth of exploration—with the added chance of bumping into something… or someone… from beyond the veil.
Be sure to take the guided tour to gain insight into Brigham Young’s life and the social tapestry of 19th-century Utah. Stay late if you can and keep your senses sharp. Who knows? The Woman in the Yellow Dress might just be waiting to make your acquaintance.
Don’t forget to bring your EMF detectors, EVP recorders, and maybe even a thermal camera. The Beehive House isn’t just a historic mansion—it’s a spiritual beacon that continues to stir intrigue, admiration, and, for the bold, a thrilling brush with the unexplainable.
Plan your visit, keep your eyes open, and your voice recorder running—you’re not just walking into history; you might be walking into a haunting.