The Beehive house was constructed in 1854, two years before the neighboring Lion House was built (also a residence of Young's). Both homes are one block east of the Salt Lake Temple and Temple Square on South Temple street in Salt Lake City, Utah. The home was designed by Young's brother-in-law and architect of the Salt Lake Temple, Truman O. Angell, who also designed the Lion House. It was constructed of adobe and sandstone.
Young was a polygamist, and the Beehive House was designed to accommodate his large family. The Lion House also became his official residence as governor of Utah Territory and president of the LDS Church. Upon its completion, Young briefly shared the Beehive House with his senior (and only legally recognized) wife Mary Ann Angell (1803–1882), though she chose to make her home in the White House, a smaller residence on the property. Young's first polygamous wife, Lucy Ann Decker Young (1822–1890), possibly due to her seniority, became hostess of the Beehive House and lived there with her nine children.
The Beehive House served as the executive mansion of Utah Territory from 1852 to 1855 and was where Young entertained guests. The home is connected by a suite of rooms to the Lion House. This suite included Young's offices and his private bedroom where he died in 1877.
The Beehive House is currently no longer used as residence for church members or leaders. Now days the house is a historical site with informative tours taking place each day so that visitors can learn the unique history of the Beehive House. The Beehive house is publically accessible and is located at 67 E South Temple St, Salt Lake City, Utah.