The Great Salt Lake Watercolors on paper by Thomas Kennet-Were

House in Salt Lake City Watercolors on paper by Thomas Kennet-Were

“I had always been under the impression that Salt Lake City was situated on the shore of the Great Salt Lake, but I was surprised to find that it was nine miles distant. The Lake lies about 4,000 feet above the level of the sea; roughly speaking it is about 100 miles long by 50 broad; it contains several islands, and its northern shore is bounded by precipitous rocks. The valley of Salt Lake is an immense plain 300 miles long, and appeared surrounded, as far as the eye could trace, by snowy mountains.”

Wigwam of Ute Indians, Salt Lake City Watercolors on paper by Thomas Kennet-Were

Coaches Watercolors on paper by Thomas Kennet-Were

“In Salt Lake City the streets are laid out in the usual rectangular manner, though as water from the neighbouring hills runs down their sides, and rows of trees overhang the footpaths, their formality is not so painful. The houses, built of wood or adobe bricks, made of mud dried in the sun, are pleasantly situated in their own gardens, in which the peach trees are out in full blossom. The principal building is the Tabernacle, a large hall capable of holding 10,000 people, which is used for religious purposes. One end is occupied by a large organ, the production of Mormon workmen, in front of which are seats for President [Brigham] Young and for the elders of the Church. From these the floor of the hall slopes upwards, like the pit of a theatre, so that the most distant members of the audience can see and hear as well as those in the front row.”

Nevada

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