Cities in
Utah
Utah, located in the western region of the United States became the forty-fifth state of the country, becoming a state on January 4, 1896. The name Utah, meaning 'people of the mountains', originated from the Ute Indians. The state capital, Salt Lake City is also the largest city in the state. Utah is also America’s national parks capital. The state is bordered by the states of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Wyoming. The major rivers are the Colorado River and Green River, and the major lakes are the Great Salt Lake, Lake Powel and Utah Lake. Utah is the United States' sixth highest urbanized state in the country, with nearly 80% of the land remaining uninhabited.
Utah’s state bird is the California Sea gull and its state flower is the Sego Lily. The state flag was adopted in 1913. It has a deep blue field. The state seal is in the center, surrounded by a yellow fringe. In the center of the flag is a bald eagle above a beehive, the nickname of the state, surrounded by sego lilies, which represent peace, as well as two U.S flags.
Prior to European settlement in Utah, the American Indians Anasazi and the Fremont Indians inhabited the land. These people adapted well to living in deserts, high mountains and marshes. These people were hunters who hunted now extinct animals such as mammoths. For sustenance these people would farm, however this was not enough so they still relied on hunting and gathering for their food. They relied heavily on corn, beans and squash.
Utah was explored by the European, Juan Maria Antonia Rivera in 1765. Then in 1776, with the American Revolution beginning in the east, a ten-man exploration team left New Mexico, under the leadership of two Franciscan priests, Fathers Francisco Atanasio Dominguez and Silvestre Velez de Escalante looking for a route between Sante Fe and Monterey, California. Although they were forced back due to early snows in Utah, Father Escalante was still able to record and describe in a diary the animal and plant life, geography, appearance, dress and foods of the Ute's.
In 1844 the assassination of Joseph Smith Jr. resulted with the remaining Mormons struggling in conflict with their neighbors. Brigham Young and some other Mormon leaders decided to abandon Nauvoo, Illinois, and began their move westward on February 4, 1846. In 1847 they came to the Salt Lake Valley. For the first few years, the Mormons struggled to survive in the Valley. Although it was a great place where the Mormons could practice their faith without interference, the land lacked sustenance. Natural resources such as timber and water were considered to be community property. It was the church organization that served as the first government. The church leaders assigned the groups of church members to establish settlements throughout the west, beginning in Utah. The church members would also assign a leader for each settlement. The prominent settlements in Utah included Logan, Manti, St. George, Springville, Farmington, Centerville, Kaysville and many others. The typical families in these settlements consisted of two parents and three children. Young called the land that he and his fellow Mormon’s were settling in 'Deseret' meaning 'honeybee'. This would definitely be the reason for the nickname of the state. The Mormon village in Utah was made up of a community of farmers and trades people. The village had a main living area, farms and farm buildings. The early pioneers life would consist of a day's work and church activities. They also loved to dance, practice drama and play music.
There was much dispute between the Mormon's and the U.S Government. The government strongly opposed the polygamous practices of plural marriages, which was strongly upheld in the ‘The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’. The Mormon's desired to establish the state of Deseret, however, this was something the U.S. would not stand for. People who followed the church were seen as rebellious to the flag of America. This was the cause for the Utah war. The United States wished to replace Young as governor, with Alfred Cumming. It was in February 1848 that the Territory of Utah became part of the United States of America. The U.S had not accepted Deseret, but rather created the territory of Utah.
Utah is quite a unique state boasting a very large variety of landscapes, geology and recreational opportunities. It was in the early 1900's that the state became known for its beauty. The first two of its five national parks were established. These were the Bryce Canyon National Park and the Zion Natural Park. Its other national parks are Arches National Park, Canyon lands National Park and Capitol Reef National Park. The establishment of the Alta Ski Area allowed Utah to become well known for its skiing, and is now one of the best skiing areas in the world. In the 1950's to 70's the scenic areas of Utah became more easily accessible with the construction of the interstate highway system.
The climate of Utah is usually dry, semi arid to arid. Its temperatures are extreme. Due to its elevation the state experiences extreme temperature conditions with winters being quite cold and summers quite hot. Temperatures are most favorable along the Wasatch Front, where there are relatively mild winters. Typical weather conditions in the state include thunderstorms, lightning strikes and wildfires in the summer. Tornadoes are quite uncommon in the state occurring on an average of two times in a year.
The major industries of Utah include; oil, steel making, natural gas, tourism, mining of coal, copper, iron or, silver and gold and the farming of cattle, sheep and dairy products. The state is also the center of transportation, information technology and research.
Utah is known for being one of the most religiously homogeneous states in the Union. Approximately 70% of Utahans are reported to be members of “The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints” aka “The Mormon Church”. This religion greatly influences the life of those involved in the traditions. In 2008, a census determined Utah to be the fastest growing state in the country in terms of its population growth. The center of its population lives in the city of Lehi. The majority of Utah's citizens are members of 'The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints'. Other religions include 10% Catholic, 0.5% Judaism and 7% Evangelicals.
There are many great attractions and destinations in Utah other than visiting the states National Parks. Popular places are the Capitol Reef Area, Castle Country, Davis County, Lake Powell, Odgen, Park City, St. George, Gilgal Garden, Biggest Pit in the World, Metaphor-The Tree of Utah and Salt Lake City. There are also some fun outdoor activities such as a rafting trip on the Green River on which you can ride past some of the most intriguing tourist attractions. Utah ski resorts and the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab.
Source:
Wikipedia
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