The University of Utah, established over 175 years ago, is recognized for a multitude of pioneering accomplishments, including being the first public university in the Mountain West and home to the state’s first law, medical, and dentistry schools.
However, one of its most distinctive markers—the iconic letter ‘U’ painted on the hillside—holds a fascinating legacy as a noteworthy second in a line of collegiate hillside traditions.
The first hillside letter, a ‘C,’ was erected by the University of California at Berkeley in March 1905. Later that same year, students at the University of Utah constructed their own ‘U,’ along with a graduating class number.
As part of the spirited competition between in-state rivals, discussions regarding the timeline of the hillside letters often spark debates about whether the ‘U’ predates Brigham Young University’s ‘Y’ above Provo.
Letters on hillsides have become a cherished American tradition, especially in the rugged terrains of the Mountain West. California leads this unique cultural phenomenon with 81 hillside letters, while Montana boasts 80. Utah proudly comes in third, exhibiting 73 letters that represent various high schools and universities throughout the state.
Since its inception, the Block U has undergone significant transformations. Originally created using boulders and limestone, the structure has evolved into a modern concrete monument enhanced with LED lights, which are now wirelessly activated on game days from a significant distance in the Merrill Engineering Building.
Richard Brown, an alumnus of the university and former dean of the College of Engineering, emphasized the enduring popularity of the Block U, stating, “There are people sitting on the Block U almost every day of the year. Young sweethearts will watch the sunset and see the city lights come on. People get engaged there. They take their little kids there. It’s just an essential part of the university. It’s part of the U experience.”
The history of the Block U is a testament to its evolution over the decades. At the beginning of the 20th century, dedicated students would make the climb to the hill, arrange rocks into their graduating year, and then paint them white. By 1907, university officials recognized the need for a more durable structure, leading to the replacement of the original rocks with a limestone form.
The addition of electrified glass lights in 1967 marked a significant upgrade, with the colors of the lights changing based on whether the Utah team won at home (lit red) or secured a victory at an away game (lit white).
Throughout the late 20th century, the Block U played a crucial role amidst the university’s struggles to define its branding and logo, as recounted by Fred Esplin, a university historian. During a time when the university experimented with nearly 30 different logos—including some that were culturally insensitive—the Block U eventually emerged as the institution’s symbol of choice, following reshaped awareness regarding representation on campus.
However, as the new millennium approached, the state of the Block U became a concern, with the monument showing signs of disrepair. Incidents of vandalism had left the lights shattered, while the surrounding concrete showed significant wear, overgrown with trees.
“It was looking seedy, overgrown, and crumbling,” Esplin reflected on the state of the marker at the time.
In response to the deterioration, a campaign called “Renew the U” was initiated in 2005 by alumni and local residents Sue and Thayer Christensen. The community successfully raised $200,000, with matching funds from Ira and Mary Lou Fulton, to restore the monument. As a result, enhancements were made to the concrete and the installation of new LED lighting, while additional funds were allocated to support student scholarships.
The land on which the Block U stands has an intriguing history, having transitioned from federal to city ownership, then to a housing developer, and finally to the Federal Pointe Homeowners Association.
Currently, a campus committee comprising Athletics, Advancement, Facilities, Marketing and Communication, and Student Affairs oversees the Block U. Each year, University Facilities allocates about $15,000 for maintenance to ensure the structure and its lights are well kept. Recently, a retaining wall was built at the trailhead to tackle soil erosion concerns affecting the site.
Looking ahead, university leaders are contemplating future improvements, including the potential addition of stairs and further erosion control measures. The prospects hinge significantly on funding, as noted by Lori Kaczka, senior director of Facilities.
For those interested in experiencing this landmark in person, the Block U trailhead can be found at the easternmost end of Tomahawk Drive, just north of Shriner’s Hospital. Visitors can park at the cul-de-sac and take a short 1/4-mile walk along the asphalt path leading to the monument.
image source from：attheu
