Utah

State in the United States of America

Early map of the region including Utah

Utah is a state in the Western United States. It became the 45th state admitted to the United States on January 4, 1896. Utah is bordered by Colorado to the east, Wyoming to the northeast, Idaho to the north, Arizona to the south, and Nevada to the west. It also touches a corner of New Mexico in the southeast. The state capital and largest city is Salt Lake City.

History

Pre-Columbian and European Exploration

The area now known as Utah has been inhabited for thousands of years by various indigenous groups, including the Ancestral Puebloans and the Fremont culture. European exploration began in the 18th century with Spanish explorers, and the region was later claimed by Mexico.

Mormon Settlement

Brigham Young, leader of the Mormon pioneers

In 1847, Brigham Young led the first group of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as Mormons) to the Salt Lake Valley, seeking a place where they could practice their religion free from persecution. This marked the beginning of significant European-American settlement in the region.

Territorial Period

The Utah Territory was established by the United States in 1850. The territory was much larger than the present-day state, encompassing parts of what are now Colorado, Wyoming, and Nevada.

Statehood

Utah faced a long struggle for statehood, primarily due to the practice of polygamy by the Latter-day Saints. After the church officially renounced polygamy in 1890, Utah was admitted to the Union as the 45th state in 1896.

Geography

Map of Utah counties

Utah is known for its diverse and stunning landscapes, ranging from the snow-capped Wasatch Range to the arid Great Basin and the dramatic red rock formations of the Colorado Plateau.

National Parks

Utah is home to five national parks, known as the "Mighty Five": Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and Zion National Park.

Arches National Park

Economy

Utah's economy is diverse, with major sectors including mining, agriculture, tourism, and technology. The state is a major producer of copper, gold, and other minerals.

Demographics

Utah has a population of over 3 million people, with a significant portion residing in the Wasatch Front, a metropolitan region that includes Salt Lake City and its suburbs.

Culture

Utah is known for its strong Latter-day Saint influence, which affects many aspects of its culture, including its laws, holidays, and community events.

Transportation

Completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad

The completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad at Promontory Summit in 1869 was a significant event in Utah's history, connecting the state to the rest of the country and facilitating economic growth.

Education

Children reading in Utah, 1940

Utah has a strong education system, with several major universities, including the University of Utah and Brigham Young University.

Related pages

• Salt Lake City
• Mormon Trail
• Great Salt Lake
• Utah Jazz