The Point Proposes Former Prison Chapel as National Historic Site

The Point of the Mountain State Land Authority (Land Authority) has voted unanimously to advance an application that, if approved, would designate the Chapel by the Wayside as a national historic site. Over the years, the Land Authority has worked with the Utah State Historical Society, the Utah State Historic Preservation Office, Preservation Utah, the Draper Historical Society, and other key stakeholders to solicit input regarding chapel preservation.

The chapel was built by prisoners more than six decades ago after residents of the surrounding communities and various religious denominations helped to raise money for this place of worship. It stands as a beacon of hope and a symbol of redemption as the site is transformed into Utah’s Innovation Community. 

The Land Authority is working closely with interested stakeholders to submit a nomination that will be reviewed by the Board of State History. If approved by the Board, the nomination is submitted to the National Park Service for final determination. The process is anticipated to take several months. For more information about the Chapel, visit preservationutah.org.