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CAPITAL CITY: Salt Lake City

BACKGROUND

The state gets its name from the Ute, meaning “people of the mountains,” an Indian tribe who lived there before the pioneers arrived. The state known as Utah began when Brigham Young led a group of Mormon pilgrims seeking freedom from religious persecution into the Great Salt Lake Valley, where they established a settlement in 1847. Mormons, members of the Church of Latter-Day Saints, make up a large percentage of the population of Utah. Utah became the 45th state of the Union in 1896. The golden spike completing the first transcontinental railroad line was driven at Promontory, Utah, in 1869, leading to a further influx of settlers. Utah is well-known for its snow-covered mountains and beautifully colored canyons. The wind and rain have formed rocks into many arches and natural bridges.

The Great Salt Lake is the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi River; its waters are saltier than ocean water. The state's forests, mountains, lakes, and rivers are excellent for boating, fishing, hunting, sightseeing, skiing and swimming. One of Utah's most interesting places to visit is Mormon Temple Square in Salt Lake City.

QUICK FACTS

Nickname: Beehive State

Motto: Industry

Statehood: January 4, 1896 (45th)

Origin of State's Name: Taken from the name of the Ute Indians, whose name means "people of the mountains"

Largest Cities: Salt Lake City, Provo, West Valley City, Sandy, Orem

Border States: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Wyoming

Land Area: 82,168 sq. mi., 12th largest

State Bird: American Seagull

State Flower: Sego Lily (calochortus gunnisonii)

State Tree: Blue Spruce (picea pungens)

State Song: Utah, We Love Thee

USEFUL LINKS

Miscellaneous

Travel and tourism site for Utah - This state travel and territorial tourism site provides ideas for your vacations, meetings, and more.