It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1975, as an emblem of (and site of events relating to) the conflicts between the governments of the Utah Territory and the United States in the 19th century.

Built at First South and 120 East (more on Salt Lake City's coordinate system), sandstone for the structure was delivered from Red Butte Canyon on Utah's first chartered railroad.

In January 1866, City Hall was dedicated by George Q. Cannon, a prominent LDS leader.

This was in response to US Marshal arrests of several Salt Lake City police officers in concert with taking over the polls for election of a Utah representative to congress.

To make way for a federal office building downtown, the old City Hall was relocated to Capitol Hill in 1961.