Visit Odgen’s Historic 25th Street today and you’ll find a charming little avenue full of shops, pubs, and cafes. This Utah city has worked hard over the years to overcome the sketchy history that plagued the area from the time of the railroad workers all the way through Prohibition. In fact, at one time, Ogden was the most dangerous town in Utah and one of the most dangerous places in the entire United States.

Even before the 1920s, Ogden was a rough place.
Stewart Library Special Collections/Facebook
The railroad and local mining brought some unsavory characters to town. Electric Alley (a street that no longer exists in Ogden) was full of lonely miners and railroad workers wanting to blow their pay on liquor, women, and opium. Shootouts were common, and the street was run by a local Madame who supplied the men with prostitutes.
During Prohibition, Ogden's 25th Street area was a dangerous place.
Historic 25th Street/Facebook
The Prohibition Era started early in Utah when the State Legislature voted it into effect in 1917, with hopes to make Utah a dry state. In Ogden, the law had the opposite effect. It quickly became a money-making opportunity and illegal businesses sprung up all over downtown Ogden, but particularly on 25th Street.
Bootleggers dug tunnels that connected 25th Street businesses to each other.
Stewart Library Special Collections/Facebook
The tunnels made it easier to transport prostitutes and liquor from one place to another. Weren't the 1920s in Utah an interesting time?

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From 1917 to 1933, Ogden's downtown area was notorious for its lawless nature.
Stewart Library Special Collections/Facebook
Prostitution, liquor, and gambling were rampant, and with those vices came violence.
Murder and assault were common during the 1920s in Utah.
Stewart Library Special Collections/Facebook
Al Capone is reported to have said that he wouldn't dare walk the streets of Ogden, Utah for fear of his life.

After Prohibition was repealed, the mob moved into Ogden, and gambling was the new favorite criminal activity. Ogden's 25th Street suffered from crime throughout much of the 20th century.
Today, Ogden's Historic 25th Street is a safe place to visit and Ogden is no longer the most dangerous town in Utah.
Historic 25th Street/Facebook
You'll find lots of quaint shops, cafes, and pubs in these historic buildings to explore.

I lived in Ogden for several years and loved it — now it’s one of my favorite places to visit. Are you lucky enough to live there? Tell us about your beautiful city in the comments!

If you are searching for a beautiful day trip destination in Ogden, check out the Ogden River Parkway.

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Most dangerous town in Utah

Courtnie Erickson | September 01, 2021

What are the best things to do in Ogden, Utah?

Today, Ogden is a wonderful and beautiful place to live and visit. There are many activities the entire family will enjoy, great places to eat, and unique places to explore. For example, you can enjoy the beautiful sunshine while walking along the Ogden River Parkway Trail. This gorgeous trail begins at the mouth of Ogden Canyon and travels all the way to 21st Street Pond. It is a paved trail, making it perfect for bikes, rollerblades, strollers, and wheelchairs.

The George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park is another must-visit attraction in Ogden, Utah. This is a 5-acre park that features more than 100 dinosaur replicas. Adults and children alike will love to spend the day walking among the dinosaurs and learning about these remarkable creatures.

Learn more about the history in Utah

Utah's history dates back to the Mormon Pioneers in 1847. Since then, some interesting things have taken place. Here are some fun, historical facts about the Beehive State that will help you win any trivia night.

  • Did you know Salt Lake City was once known as The Great Salt Lake City? The “great” was dropped from the name in 1868.
  • Fillmore was actually the first capital of Utah. It wasn’t until 1856 when the capital was moved to Salt Lake City.
  • Utah was the second state in the United States to allow women to vote.
  • In the early 1900s, Salt Lake City used electric trolleys around the Avenues, Sugarhouse, downtown, Liberty Park, Capitol Hill, and more. These trolleys were eventually replaced by buses in the 1930s.
  • The Utah Jazz made its first arrival to Utah in 1979.
  • In 1983, a massive flood hit downtown Salt Lake City.
  • In 1999, a tornado touched down in downtown Salt Lake City.
  • Utah was the host of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.

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