Cities In Utah - Quick Facts, History & Geography
Utah Quick Facts
Utah became the 45th state of the United States on January 4, 1896. There are now a total of 329 towns and cities in Utah. The capital city of Utah is Salt Lake City, known for its historical significance and as the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is also the largest city in Utah with a population of 200,133 people. Utah is often called the "Beehive State," a nickname that symbolizes industry and cooperation. Utah is home to the Great Salt Lake, a large, shallow saltwater lake with high salinity levels. The lake and its surroundings are known for their unique ecology. Utah boasts five national parks, collectively known as the "Mighty 5." These parks include Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion, showcasing a stunning array of natural formations. The influence of Mormon pioneers is deeply ingrained in Utah's history and culture, as evidenced by landmarks like the Salt Lake Temple and Tabernacle in Salt Lake City. Utah's rich fossil deposits have led to numerous dinosaur discoveries, making it a popular destination for paleontology enthusiasts. Salt Lake City hosts the annual Sundance Film Festival. Utah has strict alcohol laws, as alcohol can't be served before 10 a.m. or after 1 a.m. Utah is the 13th largest state by land area and the 31st largest state by population with more than 3.3 million residents. Famous people from Utah include: Julianne Hough, Jewel, Marie Osmond, Loretta Young, Brigham Young, Steve Young, Robert Redford, Chrissy Teigen and Katherine Heigl.
The History of Utah
Utah's land was first inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Ute, Paiute, Shoshone and Navajo. Spanish explorers, including Francisco Vázquez de Coronado and Juan de Oñate, ventured into present-day Utah in the 16th and 17th centuries. Mormon Pioneers: The most significant chapter in Utah's history is tied to the arrival of Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young. Seeking religious freedom and a place to establish their own society, the pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. Utah's desire for statehood led to tensions with the federal government in the 1850s, culminating in the Utah War of 1857-1858. The late 19th century saw a surge in mining activities, particularly in precious metals and minerals. The discovery of silver and gold led to mining booms in places like Park City and Bingham Canyon. Utah's economy diversified in the 20th century, with the growth of industries such as mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. The establishment of universities, including the University of Utah and Brigham Young University, contributed to educational and cultural development. The 2002 Winter Olympics, hosted in Salt Lake City, showcased Utah's ability to host international events and brought attention to its winter sports offerings.
The Geography of Utah
Utah is bordered by 6 states: Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming and Colorado. Utah's northeastern corner is graced by the majestic Rocky Mountains, where peaks like Kings Peak rise to elevations over 13,500 feet. A remnant of prehistoric Lake Bonneville, the Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. Western Utah features the Basin and Range region, characterized by north-south trending mountain ranges separated by elongated valleys known as basins. Much of southern Utah is part of the Colorado Plateau, a high desert region with a stunning array of red rock formations, mesas, and canyons. Utah's southern and western regions are dominated by arid desert landscapes, including the Mojave Desert, Sonoran Desert, and Great Basin Desert. Cutting through canyons and forming intricate meanders, the Green River plays a significant role in shaping the state's geography. Its tributaries, like the Colorado River and the San Juan River, have carved iconic landscapes like Cataract Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Located in northeastern Utah, the Uinta Mountains are unique for running east to west, unlike most mountain ranges in North America. They offer pristine alpine lakes, lush forests, and a challenging terrain for outdoor enthusiasts.
Utah Relocation Guide
The state of Utah is known as the desert that blooms and the Beehive State. First settled by the Mormons in the 1800s, the mountainous landscape seemed barren. In the middle of Utah is the great Salt Lake, a lake so salty that fish cannot inhabit it. Next to the lake are the Bonneville salt flats that are now commonly used for racing. The Rocky Mountains zig zag down the state, bordering major cities like Salt Lake, Ogden and Provo. These mountains gain travelers from all over the world since they are some of the best in the United States for skiing and snowboarding, offering plenty of powder days most years.
Cost of living for most cities in Utah is lower than the national average, and housing is also very affordable. Utah has a great public transportation system, with buses traveling across routes all over the Salt Lake and Provo valleys. There is also a light rail track extending north-south across the Salt Lake Valley. Work is currently in progress to extend the light rail system all the way down to Provo.
Utah crime rates are almost identical to those of the national average. Most cities in Utah are considered to be very safe. Certain larger cities like Salt Lake and West Valley do have higher than average crime rates and care should be taken when deciding where to live in either of those cities.
