Utah Heritage

Much of Utah’s heritage dates far back before the pioneers or any other settlers arrived. There is a wealth of fossils that has been left behind from the times of the dinosaurs along with amazing rock formations like arches and canyons that have existed for hundreds of years (and taken a great deal longer than that to make). After that time there were many ancient pueblo cultures such a the anasazi and Fremont indians that lived in southern Utah and raised corn up until the thirteen-hundreds but much of their ruins are left behind. Pictographs and petroglyphs as well as ruins of their hoes, their art, and many of the possessions have been left behind for us to find and study. There were also many Ute and Navajo tribes of Indians that lived in the region for hundreds of years before any explorers came to the region.

It wasn’t until 1776 when the country was battling and fighting for it’s independence from England that the Catholic explorers Domingues and Escalante discovered and documented Utah’s terrain but they were quickly followed up by other spanish explorers and traders. In the early 100’s here were many fur trappers and traders that came through the area and were delighted to discover another Utah’s many trapping opportunities. However it wasn't until 1847 when the mormons (members of the LDS church that were being persecuted in the northeast for their beliefs) migrated to the Salt Lake valley seeking freedom for the beliefs and their religion. Almost two thousand LDS members walked to find a new home and eventually they were followed by soldiers, sheep herders, miners, and others looking for open land to set up on. It was more than twenty years later that the first continental railroad was completed and Promontory and by that time more than sixty thousand Mormons had travelled to Utah in covered wagons or by dragging handcarts. Today over seventy percent of Utah is still members of the LDS church and the state celebrates a memorial of the pioneers every year in late July as a way of commemorating them with a parade and fireworks that are lit off rivaling even the fourth of july. There are also various sites and preserves that have been set up and dedicated to the history of the pioneers. There are also many plays, festivals, fairs, pageants, and so on that showcase the heritage and culture of Utah as well as its history. There are also many museums and preserved homes and landmarks that have been maintained so that future generations will know about the history of Utah and it’s founders. You can also visit many of Utah’s unique libraries and preservation societies that assist in finding out more information about Utah's history, the pioneers, family genealogy, historical sites and buildings and much much more. Utah and it’s people are very dedicated to preserving the past and this is evident all throughout the state.

Utah is an amazing state with a great deal of culture and heritage that can be a lot of fun and very interesting to learn about. Take some time to do your own research or to learn from others and you certainly won’t be disappointed with the wealth of interesting facts and stories you find out.