55 Must-Know Facts about Utah


 

There are several unique states in America, but Utah stands out in its ways. The 45th state of the United States of America has an amazing nature making it beautiful. The state has a unique and mesmerizing history, culture, and tribes that make the state different from the rest. Everyone ought to know millions of interesting things about this state. Utah’s iconic national parks, the evergreen forests, the different tribes that have stayed together for years, and the fast-growing economy are just a few interesting facts about this state. Utah is one of the best tourist attractions in the world, attracting tens of millions of people worldwide every year. The mountains are the perfect skiing spots, while the forests and hilly places are ideal for hiking and outdoor recreation. Nonetheless, you should not be tricked into thinking that this beautiful state only thrives in nature. Utah has grown fast in technology, business, and innovation, becoming a business hub in America. Global companies such as Adobe and Qualtrics found a home in this big state. The prehistoric sites make Utah a must-visit place because you will have a lifetime experience in the big city. Therefore, whether you want to hike, do a business visit, or learn about history, Utah is a destination you must visit.

1. Utah Boasts of Being Home for Several Species of Dinosaurs in History

The Cleveland Lloyd quarry and Vernal are on the global map for hosting more than six hundred species of dinosaurs in history. Palaeontologists have found Utah State their favourite spot because they have made more prehistoric discoveries than anywhere else in America. Utah’s rich ancient history has attracted people worldwide to witness the discovered fossils. Scientists suggest that these huge and scary creatures roamed Utah over a hundred million years ago. Some animals settled in the region because of the good weather; their fossils are found today. If you thought dinosaurs were fiction, you need to visit Utah.

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2. The Name Utah Comes from one of the Native American Tribes 

According to historians, the name Utah was created from the name of one of the tribes in the state called the Ute Tribe. The name Ute’s original meaning is the people of the mountains. These people settled in the mountainous region of the unknown land and gave it the name Utah. The Ute tribe has since dominated the state of Utah and neighboring states such as Colorado.

3. Utah has Eight Native American Tribes 

Utah is a mixed tribe state with eight different tribes coexisting for several years, embracing the same cultural beliefs that kept them together. These tribes include Goshute, Navajo, Northwestern Band of Shoshone Nation, Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, San Juan, Skull Valley Band of Goshute, White Mesa Community of Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and Ute Indian Tribe. An encounter with the tribes in Utah will give you a glimpse of the nature of American tribes who are extraordinarily brave and resilient in their dealings. The eight tribes are distinct from everyone else because they have their own culture, language, history, and culture, which they have made sure to pass on to the next generations. Therefore, they have been together for centuries by passing their history and wisdom to their children. These people thrive in difficult times together.

4. The Arches National Park in Utah has numerous Natural Sandstones

Utah’s arches national park is a must-visit place for recreational and educational purposes. A park is a perfect place for hiking and mountain climbing, offering visitors a chance to exercise as they have fun. However, the arches also allow the visitors to make discoveries as they maneuver through the hills. The variety of mountains in the state attracts hikers, but Arches Park attracts learners and hikers. At the arches, you can discover if you come across an undocumented arch, which will earn you an honor.

5. Pando is a Giant Living Organism made up of a Unique Forest with Trees in Utah

While in the southern region of Utah, you will see a huge forest with evergreen aspen trees that look like a single huge tree shaking slowly. Pando is a collection of trees in a forest with almost fifty thousand species of trees having the same root system. The forest is also among the oldest existing forests in the world, dating back over eighty thousand years. The trees are an amazing phenomenon that looks like white ghosts with green heads moving slowly. Visit this place and enjoy Utah.

6. The Biggest Independent Film Festival in the World was Started in Utah

The Sundance Film Festival began in 1978 as a small and dependent organization and has been transformed into one of the biggest global film festivals in the world. The region has become one of the best destinations for filmmakers and actors globally who showcase their talent in film creation. Some successful directors at the festival include Steven Soderbergh and Quentin Tarantino. This is the place to create different genres of films, some of which have been considered the best in history. Thanks to Utah that this place exists.

7. Did you know that the Frisbee was First Invented in Utah?

Walter Fredrick Morrison was on the beach with his wife when he began tossing tin cake pans, which led to him discovering the Frisbee. He is credited with being the first man to through a Frisbee. The activity has gone on to become a sport in the modern world. Morrison began manufacturing Pluto Platters in the mid-1900s through his discovery.

8. The Miracle of the Gulls was an Event that Helped Save Lives in 1847

1847 was supposed to be a tragic year for people in Utah if it wasn’t for the seagulls that saved the crops. A swarm of crickets perched on the crops in the state, threatening to wipe out the plantations. The insects would have brought famine on the land, but the seagulls came in to save the crops. The birds consumed the crickets saving the crops from being destroyed. A monument was created in 1913 in Salt Lake City of a seagull destroying crickets to honor the event.

9. The People of Utah are Believed to Consume Twice the Amount of Lime Green Jell-O 

Utahans are massive consumers of lime green Jell-O and have invented ways to eat it. They add small pieces of carrots that have been shredded to the mix to create a tasty and sweet-smelling treat. This is an activity that is not common in any other state.

10. The Largest raptor in the World was Discovered in Utah

Photo by Joe deSousa on Unsplash

The Utah raptor is almost twenty feet long and looks scary to humans is the world’s largest raptor. The creature was discovered in Utah, and movies have been produced, such as Jurassic (1993), to show the world the existence of this massive creature. Utah is a place for big creatures.

11. The First-Ever KFC was Served in Utah

The famous chicken recipe was first used in Utah’s capital, Salt Lake City, before the chefs took it to Kentucky and made it a global recipe. The chicken was first served in Leon Harman’s café when his friend Colonel Sanders visited him. However, Colonel Sanders went to his home, and when he returned to Utah a few weeks later, he found clients queueing up to taste the chicken recipe. Since the recipe was his idea, he continued the business beyond Utah to Kentucky and across America. Today, KFC is a global recipe.

12. Utah is the only State in America whose Capital City has a name with Three Words

Salt Lake City is the capital city of Utah, whose name was the “Great Salt Lake City” at some point in history. The city was named because of its proximity to salt lake in Utah. However, the name was changed in 1868 when they dropped the word “Great” to name the current Utah capital city.

13. Engaging in Activities that threaten the Weather in Utah can make one Serve a Jail Sentence 

It is illegal to get involved in activities that would modify the weather in the state. Any activity that can alter weather patterns is illegal in the state and can only be carried out with permission from relevant authorities. The Utah Administrative Code is strict with weather modification activities and has made it clear for every citizen to understand.

14. You should visit the Uintah County Library learn about American History

The Uintah County Library in Utah is a unique place to learn about American history. However, one fascinating fact about the library is that you will know every first lady of the United States of America, up to Nancy Reagan. All the previous first ladies of the country have their faces and body made and kept in that big library. Therefore, if you need a memory refreshing about American presidents and their wives, visit Uintah Library.

15. Utah Boasts Having the Greatest Snow on the Planet

Researchers have discovered that Utah has the “greatest snow” on Earth despite some states having longer periods of snow. The snow in Utah is supposedly dry and light compared to the snow in other states across America. The snow that falls during winter is relatively higher than in other states.

16. The Town of Levan in the Middle of the State was Originally Called “Navel” and Renamed to Spell Backwards

Levan, which is “navel” when spelled backward, is a town in the middle of Utah State. The town was named because of its location at the center of the state and was considered at the center of the belly, forming the belly button of the state. However, other stories suggest that Brigham Young named the city.

17. Utah is the Beloved Home for Philo T. Farnsworth

Philo T. Farnsworth was born and raised in Utah, in the United States of America. He is credited for being the man that invented the prototype of the electric television. He was passionate about discoveries and trying new things at a young age. He invented several electronic appliances as a teenager and a youth, including the first magnetized car lock that helped him win the national contest. This brilliant resident of Utah sketched a vacuum tube in high school, which was later transformed into modern television.

18. Transcontinental Railroad That took Years to Construct was Completed in Utah in 1969

The construction of the first transcontinental railroad began in Sacramento, going through several cities and states in America. After several years of construction, the railroad was finally completed in Promontory, Utah.

19. A Massive Land in Utah in Bonneville Salt Flats is Covered by a huge Salt Pan

The Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, stretching over thirty thousand acres of land, are covered by closely packed salt. The smooth and flat landscape makes it an easy settling destination for salt. The flat terrain is also ideal for sports people who practice speed racing on the land. In the 1960s, Norman Craig became the first man to skid for over six miles. The salt is massive for speeding.

20. Loftus International in Salt Lake City sells the biggest amount of Rubber Chicken Annually

Loftus International is believed to sell an estimated twenty thousand chickens every year. The company produces chicken using modern technology at a bigger rate than any company worldwide. Loftus International is a monopoly.

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21. The Dutch Oven is an Official State Symbol in Utah

The Utahans in the past considered the Dutch cooking oven a treasure like any other important appliance such as rifles. The people of Utah in the 19th century recognized the Dutch oven as an important tool, making it a state symbol in 1997. The oven is now the state’s official cooking appliance in Utah.

22. Every County in Utah Contains Some Part of a National Forest

Photo by Cameron Cox on Unsplash

Utah is the only state in America with extensive forest-covered land. Every county in Utah has a part of the country’s national forest. Most of these prestigious state is covered with trees that have either been planted or grown naturally. Utah is green.

23. Peoples of Utah are More Religious than any other Population in America

The entire American population consists of only two percent of Mormons, scaled up by a massive sixty percent of Mormons in Utah. The state has the country’s most religious people with the same beliefs. They belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Days Saints. The Utahans nurture their children with strong religious beliefs and ensure they are not exposed to immorality. Restaurants and bars in Utah must have enclosed spaces to prevent children from seeing alcoholic drinks. The people’s religious beliefs are astonishing.

24. The Bingham Canyon in Utah is the World’s Deepest and Biggest Man-Made Pit

The Bingham Canyon has served the people of Utah and supplied copper and other materials worldwide for over a century. The Kennecott Copper Corporation was among the first companies to mine copper from the Bingham Canyon. The pit has produced almost twenty million tons of copper since it was first dug. The pit has gone as deeper as a quarter of the earth, making it deep enough to fit some of the tallest buildings in the world and still have space at the top. The pit produces more than two hundred thousand tons of rocks daily, making it grow faster. However, the mine is temporarily closed to visitors because of the witnessed movements.

25. Jim Bridger was the First English-Speaking man to Discover the Great Salt Lake

Jim Bridger would not be blamed for mistakenly thinking that the Great Salt Lake was the Pacific Ocean. The lake contains more than 5 million tons of dissolved salt, making it the saltiest lake in the world. Although the Pacific Ocean is also extremely salty, some parts of the Great Salt Lake are saltier than the ocean. Therefore, Jim Bridger was right in thinking that he had reached the Pacific Ocean.

26. Recent Studies indicate that Utah has the most Kind, Generous and Charitable People 

According to researchers, recent statistics show that Utah has the most charitable people. The study was based on the number of times people help each other in the state and found that Utahans help the needy more than in any other place. These people were also ranked first in terms of volunteering for social work. The state also ranked first regarding people’s donations to charity organizations and donated income. Therefore, Utahans are considered the most charitable globally because the numbers suggest so. If you need help in Utah, all you have to do is call your neighbor.

27. Bryce Canyon is the Most Fascinating National Parks in Utah

Bryce Canyon was named after Ebenezer Bryce, one of the nineteenth-century pioneer Mormons. The park consists of several pillars of rocks shaped into tiny and sharp pieces through constant erosion. Ebenezer Bryce described the canyon as the worst place to lose a cow because you might never find the animal again. Bryce Canyon has continued to be a fascinating feature in the country to the natives and visitors.

28. The First Nation’s Department Store was Created in Utah

Brigham Young founded the Zions Cooperation’s Mercantile Institution, becoming the first department store in America. The store was founded in 1868 and was based in Great Salt Lake City. However, the store was closed in 1999 after being in place for over a century.

29. Utah is one of the Driest States in America, Alongside Nevada

Because Utah is a snowy state, one would think that it is one of the coldest places in the United States of America. The truth is that Utah is the second-driest state in America after the state of Nevada. Despite having more snow than any other state in America, the snow is always dry because Utah experiences more than three hundred sunny days a year. Therefore there are only sixty days without the sun in the state making it one of the driest.

30. There are More Plastic Surgeons in Salt Lake City, Utah, than in any other part of America

The people of Utah are cultural and religious, which makes one think that they are reserved and not ready to go out of their way. However, the state is believed to have more plastic surgeons per capita than any other state in the country, which makes people wonder what the surgeons do in the city. Utah attracts people from other states of America and worldwide who visit to have plastic surgeries.

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31. The Years 1847 and 1896 are so Significant to the State that they Appear on the State Seal

The two dates sum up the history of the people of Utah. In 1847, the Mormons settled in Utah, making the state their home. These people embraced a different culture and began creating their history in Utah. Secondly, the year 1896 represents the year in which Utah became the 45th state so the united states of America. The state gained independence and began enjoying the privileges of being part of America. The state seal also has an eagle and lilies, which represent peace.

32. History and Statistics Indicate that January 13 is the Perfect Day in Utah for Skiing

The 13th day of January is called the golden day in Utah because it is believed to have the perfect weather for skiing. Those who love skiing should mark their calendars and visit Utah on this beautiful day because they will have a high chance of receiving snowfall. Skiing is interesting in the snowfall, so the date is perfect for this group.

33. Utah is a Nature State that Hosts over Six Hundred different Species of Vertebrate Insects

The weather in Utah is ideal for most vertebrate species to survive. The state has over six hundred vertebrate types, attracting scientists and researchers. There are probably more discoveries to be made in the future to add to the numerous species of insects. There are also several other invertebrates in the state.

34. The Sego Lily is a Respected Plant in Utah

The sego lily, like the seagulls, earned its state designation because of the services the plant offered during the early Mormon years in Utah. Utah’s population grew faster during the new arrivals in the state in the mid-1900s. Therefore food got scarce due to the overgrowing population, and crops would not feed the entire population. The Native Americans advise the visitors to dig the sego lily’s bulb to have as food. Surprisingly, the sego lily’s bulbs were nutritious and helped save people from starving.

35. Utah is Home to a Unique Specie of Cutthroat Trout Fish in the World 

According to researchers, there are more than ten different species of cutthroat trout fish worldwide. However, Utah is home to the Bonneville cutthroat, which has unique features compared to other species. The fish has a red and orange shade of color under its mouth, and its entire body is covered with scattered black spots. The spots become more at the tail, making the fish look beautiful. The Bonneville cutthroat trout was an important meal for the Native Americans before the Mormons settled in Utah.

36. Utah hosts most National Parks in the United States America

Utah became the 45th state in America and has grown to become one of the best in development. The state boasts five national parks, just below Alaska and California. Therefore Utah is counted among the top three states with the most national parks in America. Arches national park is the most recognized park in Utah.

37. Coal was Recognized in Utah as the State Rock in 1991 

Coals deposits in Utah have given people affordable electricity over the years. There is more coal in Utah than in several other states in the country, with huge coal deposits in Carbon County, which was named because of the coal deposits. Some parts of the state have black soil which has mixed with coal. Utah is simply a coal state.

38. Utah was initially part of a Huge Landmass Called Laramidia

Historians have identified that Utah was part of a huge landmass in the past. The landmass was called Laramidia, and the region had extremely hot weather. In addition, the Laramidia was swampy, making it the ideal environment for dinosaurs. Therefore, the weather contributed to several dinosaurs settling in Utah, making the place one of the best regions in America to find dinosaur fossils. Several fossils have been discovered in the state, including huge creatures.

39. There are Four Corner States in America, and Utah is one of these Historical States

Utah is a corner state in the United States of America, along with three other states, including New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona. The state boasts of being the pillar of the country for being positioned at the periphery of the country. The neighboring states to Utah are Nevada, Wyoming, and Idaho, which share the same weather as Utah. The region has one of the most natural environments, with forests and deserts simultaneously. Utah is unique.

40. Did you know Utah was Part of Mexico sometime in History?

Before Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, the country consisted of a single huge landmass. After gaining independence, Mexico grabbed a portion of the United States of America which included some states like California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming. However, the states were reclaimed by America after the end of the Mexico and America War in 1848.

41. Utah was among the First States in America to offer Women Suffrage

Wyoming was the first state in America to offer women the right to be involved in the national voting process, and Utah followed suit in 1870. Women in America were not allowed to be involved in national development matters such as voting because they were viewed as a weak gender. However, the state of Utah’s leadership had different ideas as they granted women the right to vote. Although the country denounced suffrage in 1887 to avoid Mormons being involved in national matters, women’s voting rights were reinstated a few years later when the government granted women the right to vote.

Explore Top 10 Most Famous People from Utah here

42. Utah Made Several Sacrifices to become a State in America

Polygamy was part of the Utah society for several years as the culture of the people allowed men to have more than one wife. Wealthy men married as many wives as possible because they could support these women. However, when Utah wanted to become part of the United States of America, they were required to abolish polygamy to be allowed for statehood. Utah had to abandon the tradition to become an American state in 1895. The Mormons were denied the opportunity to have multiple wives. Today, men in Utah have one wife despite a few Mormons who decided to stick with their tradition.

43. You Should be ready to hear the phrase “Life Elevated” while in Utah

The state slogan of Utah is “Life Elevated,” which has been used by the state to benefit and promote tourism in the country. Branding companies have used the slogan to popularize their products in the state and across the country. The slogan also reminds people of the state’s landscape and geographical elevation. Furthermore, life in Utah is always on an upward trajectory because you will fall in love with the people and the weather as time passes.

44. The Largest Nation’s Monument is Found in Utah

Grand Staircase-Escalante became a national monument in 1996 when the then-president of America, Bill Clinton, designated the place. The country’s largest monument covers almost two million acres of land in southern Utah. The monument houses several beautiful structures and natural resources that make the monument a place to visit. The monument is bigger than in some of the states in America, such as Delaware State.

45. The Ancient People and First Settlers in the State lived in the Zion National Park

Zion national park in Utah is one of the oldest parks in the country, dating back centuries. The park is significant to the history of America because it was the home of the ancient settlers in Utah; the Anasazi people are believed to be the people who made Zion national park their home. This minority group still boasts of the park as their ancestral home. Furthermore, the park was also a riverbed to the ancient American rivers that have dried up, leaving the place dry and hot. Therefore, Zion national park was, at some point, a habitable place.

46. Utah is the Home of Mormons Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

The Mormons were rejected in America and persecuted whenever they practiced their Mormon religion. They were not welcome in any of the states that had become the union in America. However, Utah had not gained statehood in the early 1800s, making it a free place for anyone to settle. The Mormons settled in Utah, where they began practicing their religion vigorously. They built shrines, churches, and worship places in the state. However, when Utah wanted to become one of the United States of America, it changed the name of its church to The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints and abandoned some of its traditions.

47. The Nickname for Utah is “Beehive State,” Which is Used to refer to the People in the State

All states in America have nicknames that briefly describe the state. While some states have names that depict the weather, such as Florida being referred to as the “Sunshine State,” Utah is different and has a unique name. The name Beehive State would make one think there is a lot of honey there. On the contrary, Utah has just a few beekeeping activities, like in any other ordinary state. However, the name is used to refer to the industriousness of the people. Utahans are known for working together to build their communities as bees work inside a beehive.

48. Utah is the Home of the Desert Bighorn Sheep, a Rare Species of Sheep in America

Desert bighorn sheep are rare in Utah’s western part of America. These land mammals were on the verge of extinction before the government tried to conserve them to increase their population. The desert bighorn sheep are found in mountainous regions and have the best mountain climbing skills among all land mammals. These sheep can scale steep mountains with ease. They have also adapted to dry weather and can survive in deserts.

49. The Temple Square in Utah is the Most Visited Place in the State 

The temple square in Utah is the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This place is the most visited in Utah, receiving more than five million people yearly, more than any state national park. Apart from the Mormons, people from other religious groups also visit the temple square for various reasons.

50. The Capitol of Utah is more than a hundred Years Old 

Utah is a historical state, and there is no doubt that some of the oldest buildings are still being used today. The state Capitol is a perfect example. The capital has been in use for over a century and is still being used. The capitol was constructed in the early 1900s before the First World War broke out. One reason for the longevity of the building is the materials used to construct it and the experts involved in the process. The building was constructed for at least four years, which means the constructors took time to make a masterpiece. The materials used are mainly copper and granite, which are durable products.

51. International Olympics were held in Utah in 2002

The Utah Olympics Park was privileged to be the host of one of the world’s greatest athletic games. The 2002 Olympics were held in Utah, the United States of America. The fascinating thing about the host city is that it was a rural village constructed quickly to become a stadium hosting the games. The Olympic Park was therefore constructed to remember the games held in the state. The park seats more than four hundred acres of land and has been transformed to have several other social activities.

52. Utah has very Strict Alcohol Laws than any other State in America

Photo by Wil Stewart on Unsplash

Although alcohol laws are in every state in America where persons under the age of twenty-one cannot consume alcohol, Utah has even more strict laws regarding alcohol. Apart from the age limit for consuming alcohol, the law in Utah demands that people purchase alcohol between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Those who violate the hours would be in serious trouble with the government.

Find out: 15 Craziest Laws You Will Find in Utah

53. Utah is the 13th largest State in America

Despite being the least talked about in America, Utah is one of the largest states in the country. At number thirteen, Utah has a surface of more than eighty thousand square miles, a massive surface area. The large state has several landscapes, including forests, lakes, and mountains making it a diversified state of natural endowment.

54. Utah holds the record for having the highest rate of married population in the United States 

Utah is one of the world’s regions with a married population. Considering the ever-dropping marriage rate in the United States of America, Utah’s nine marriages per a thousand residents stand very high above the national average of five. Utah competes with Nevada, which has more marriages in the country, thanks to the famous Las Vegas weddings. Therefore Utah has been more consistent in the married population over the years than other states.

55. Utah has the Youngest Population in the united states of America

Staying in Utah would make you feel young as you blend with the youngest population in the country. The average age in Utah stands at thirty-one years, while the national average is slightly above thirty-eight years. More than thirty percent of the residents in Utah are young, under the age of eighteen years. The state boasts of having the country’s youngest and most energetic population.

Utah is truly a state in America that offers something for everyone who visits or stays there. The breathtaking parks stand to set the top of the fascinating features in the state, offering outdoor recreation activities to visitors and residents. With the thriving economy, the rich history, and excellent weather, there is no shortage of enjoyment in the state. You can visit the state in different seasons, whether summer or winter and have maximum fun there. The state is also not meant for researchers and scholars who visit to make discoveries that are used in education. The welcoming people of Utah will make you feel at home as you lend in the young population, learning about the culture of the people. Take a step and plan a trip to Utah, and you will never be disappointed.

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