Salt Lake City, Utah is one of the major cities in the United State’s Intermontane West region. Is this article, we will discuss its history, as well as some things to see and do while visiting this area.
History
This city was originally started in 1847 by Brigham Young and 148 of his followers. The Wasatch Valley, in the northern part of the state of Utah, where Salt Lake City is located, was seen as a place where Mormon followers could settle and make a life for themselves while escaping religious persecution from mainstream Christian sects back east. While his followers settled down and cultivated the area with irrigation, Brigham Young designated the place where the Mormon Temple would be, which is the headquarters for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or the Mormon Church, and the city quickly grew up around it, being named for the nearby Great Salt Lake. Originally the city was called Great Salt Lake City and, at the time, the region was provisionally known as Deseret by the Mormons. When Young and his followers first arrived, the area was considered part of Mexico, and it was a year later that the region passed into U.S. hands, becoming a U.S. territory two years after that, in 1850.
Mining started in the area in the 1860’s, and the city was connected by railroad to the Union Pacific Railroad in Ogden, north of Salt Lake City, in the 1870’s – both of these factors helped the city, and its surrounding region, to grow steadily in population.
The functional role of Salt Lake City, today, includes many aspects. It is the state capital of the state of Utah, meaning that it is the seat of government. It is the core area of Mormonism, being the place where the Mormon Temple is located, meaning that it is, in essence, a pilgrimage site to Mormon adherents, much like the city of Mecca is to Muslims. It has developed a tourist industry based on outdoor recreation, particularly winter sports, which draws tourists in from that angle – it was even the host to the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. In earlier days it was a core manufacturing, mining, and refinery location, but has evolved into more of a service sector economy, like the rest of the country. This includes industrial banking, utility company bases, health care, and airline hubs. The economy is centered around all of these present functional roles of the city.
The conservative nature of this city, due much to the fact that half the population adheres to Mormonism, is a complete contrast to the flamboyant and liberal nature of Las Vegas, Nevada, in the next state over.
What to See and Do in the Salt Lake City Area
So, what is there to see and do while in the Salt Lake City area? Here are some ideas:
Tour the Temple Square – if you are visiting the area, it would be a shame to miss a tour of the Mormon Temple, around which the city grew up.
Great Salt Lake – this body of water is one of the most saline inland bodies of water in the world, and is the largest salt water lakes in the Western Hemisphere.
Downtown – get a taste of the restaurants, music, nightlife, theater, art galleries, and shopping that is available in this area.
Utah State Capitol Complex – this is the seat of government for the state of Utah, so it would be a good place to visit. They offer tours and have great views towards the Wasatch Mountains.
Natural History Museum of Utah – here you will find dinosaur skeletons, Native American cultural exhibits, and find out more about the area’s geology.
Big Cottonwood Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon – these areas are about 20 miles from the center of the city, and are home to ski resorts, as well being a great place for hiking, climbing, mountain biking, etc.
