Manti (population 3,040) is the fourth community to be settled in the State of Utah. The community was established by Mormon pioneers in 1849, and the large Mormon Temple (1877-1888) remains the city's most impressive structure. It, like many other historic buildings in Manti, was built of native limestone.
Another such building is the Old City Hall (1873-1882), which has recently been rehabilitated for use as a museum and travel information center. Over 4,200 volunteer hours have been invested in revitalizing the building.
Use of the Old City Hall as a travel information center is an important component of Manti's participation in regional efforts to promote tourism along Highway 89, the spine of the proposed Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area. Reuse of the building is also a cornerstone of an ongoing Main Street Enhancement Project, which includes new streetscaping.
Leading these and other preservation efforts is the newly created Manti Historic Preservation Commission, which was established in 2003. Manti is a Certified Local Government and is working toward listing part of the community in the National Register of Places as a historic district.
Designated a Preserve America Community in September 2004.