The US state of Utah was colonized by the Mormons in a creative way. Now a surprise is looming in the elections. An overview of the background to the history, founding and economy of the region
- Utah was built by Mormon Christian supporters.
- The US state has a variety of impressive natural landscapes.
- As a Republican stronghold, the elections seem to have a clear tendency here, but in 2020 the tide could surprisingly turn.
Salt Lake City – The US state of Utah takes its name from the Ute Indian tribe who still live in this area today. A popular nickname of this state is “Beehive State” (= beehive state). It refers to the bee-like industry of the Mormons that characterizes this Christian denomination.
- ABBREVIATIONFINDER.ORG: Overview of state Utah, including major cities and most commonly used abbreviations of Utah.
Utah – the story of the founding of the 45th US state
The history of settlement in Utah begins in the 18th century when explorers and fur hunters explored the region. Settlers arrived in large numbers in the 19th century. Here are the key data of this era at a glance:
- In 1847, the first followers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormons, came to Utah with the aim of building a state of their own.
- In 1850 the Perpetual Emigrating Fund or PEF (= Permanent Immigration Fund) was created, with the means of which new converts were to be brought to Utah from the east coast of the USA and Europe.
- In the mid-1850s, PEF ran out of money, so the pioneers were transported in handcarts from Iowa City to Salt Lake City, Utah.
- From 1857 to 1858 the Utah War raged between the Mormons and the US government, as the then US President James Buchanan wanted to abolish polygamy and prevent the establishment of an independent Mormon state.
- From 1861 the US government downsized the Utah Territory, divided it up in several steps and assigned some regions of it to Nevada, Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming.
- On January 4, 1896, Utah joined the United States in its current size as the 45th state.
Utah geography and location facts
Utah is located in the southwestern United States. Its neighboring states are Idaho and Wyoming to the north, Colorado to the east, Arizona to the south, and Nevada to the west. It has an area of around 219, 887 square kilometers.
The state has extensive desert landscapes, a large salt lake and the Wasatch Mountains. Utah is also home to the “Mighty 5”, five of the most impressive national parks in the USA. This includes:
- Arches
- Bryce Canyon
- Canyonlands
- Capitol Reef
- Zion
Utah: Major Cities in Mormon State
The capital Salt Lake City is also the most populous metropolis in Utah with approx. 186, 440 inhabitants. According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, there are also other large cities in this US state such as:
- West Valley City with 129, 480 residents
- Provo with 112, 488 inhabitants
- West Jordan with 103, 712 inhabitants
Utah and its people
Utah has approximately 3, 101, 833 residents, which is 13 people per square kilometer. The population consists of the following groups:
- 1 percent white
- 9 percent black and African American
- 9 percent Asian
- 1 percent Indians
- 7 percent Hawaiians
- 5 percent of other parentage
- 8 percent belong to two or more groups
Utah economy facts and figures
Major sectors of Utah’s economy are mining, the aviation industry, and tourism. Agriculture and animal husbandry are also represented near the mountains.
Utah: This is how the people vote
Utah is a “red state” due to its rural structures and the high regard it holds for traditional values such as family and church. The Republicans have won every presidential election here since 1960. The exception is 1964, when the US state voted for the Democrat Lyndon B. Johnson with a majority.
The tide could turn again in the 2020 elections, as Mormons in Utah largely reject Donald Trump. The favorite this year is the independent candidate Evan McMullin.
