Archibald Gardner and the Salt Lake Temple
In 2027, the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will open its doors to the public for the first time since its dedication in 1893. From April 5 through October 1, 2027, visitors from around the world will have the opportunity to tour the historic temple and experience the Salt Lake Temple Celebration.
If you're coming to Utah or the Salt Lake Valley to experience this remarkable piece of history, there's another historic landmark connected to the man who helped shape its story: Gardner Village in West Jordan.
Meet Archibald Gardner
Archibald Gardner was a Scottish immigrant, Utah pioneer, mill builder and community leader who arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. He and his family later established themselves west of the Jordan River, where Gardner built mills, homes and other structures that helped growing communities become established.Gardner was an industrious builder. During his lifetime, he constructed 36 mills, including the historic flour mill that stands at the heart of Gardner Village today.
But his work reached beyond the communities surrounding his mills.
Archibald Gardner and the Salt Lake Temple
Construction of the Salt Lake Temple began in 1853 and would continue for 40 years before the temple was dedicated in 1893. Building such a massive structure in the early days of Utah was an extraordinary undertaking. Granite had to be quarried in Little Cottonwood Canyon and hauled approximately 20 miles to Temple Square, while skilled workers shaped the stone by hand.During the early construction, problems developed with the temple's foundation. Large cracks were discovered in portions of the original work. Brigham Young and his advisers determined that portions of the foundation needed to be removed and rebuilt to better support the enormous weight of the temple.
A Gardner family account gives Archibald Gardner a memorable role in this moment.
According to Life of Archibald Gardner, Pioneer of 1847, Gardner was at the temple site when Brigham Young was considering what to do about the troubled foundation. President Young sought revelation and proclaimed "Here, I shall remain until the Lord reveals to me what I should do next". Seeing Archibald on-site, Young requested "Bishop, sit down" and explained of the issue and asked him what could be done. After listening, Archibald calmly explained "the trouble has arisen through the use of too much mortar. This time, instead of using mortar, have each and all of the stones in the entire building cut to exact measurement and place stone upon stone with precise fittings. This will prevent cracking, settling or spreading in any way."
The story says Brigham Young agreed with Gardner's recommendation and proceeded with a stronger approach to the temple foundation.
Whether viewed through the lens of pioneer history, engineering or craftsmanship, the story provides a fascinating glimpse into the practical knowledge that early Utah builders brought to monumental projects.
From the Salt Lake Temple to Gardner Village
Archibald Gardner's legacy can still be seen today.At Gardner Village, you can step inside the historic Gardner Mill, a landmark that connects visitors directly to the pioneer who built it. The original mill was constructed in 1853 and replaced with a larger mill in 1877, and the property has since grown into a village of locally owned shops, dining and experiences surrounding the historic mill.
The mill stands as a reminder of a time when communities depended on people like Archibald Gardner to build the places where Utah's early settlements could grow and thrive.
Today, you can walk through the same historic mill where Archibald's Restaurant and CF Home are located, explore the buildings and grounds of Gardner Village, and learn more about the man whose work left its mark across Utah.
Visiting Salt Lake City and Gardner Village?
Make both part of your Utah history experience.Visit the Salt Lake Temple Celebration in downtown Salt Lake City from April 5 through October 1, 2027, then make the short drive to West Jordan to visit historic Gardner Village and the mill built by Archibald Gardner.
Come see where Archibald Gardner built, worked and left his mark on Utah history.
