By Amy L. Gouger
In 1896, Utah joined the
United States. Earlier, in 1847, Mormons moved into the state and eventually settled there. Throughout the late 1800s, Native Americans were forced onto reservations in Utah, which took a toll on their populations. 65% of Utah is federally owned land.
Origins of the Name
The unusual name of Utah originated with the Utes, a Native American tribe. It means "people living in the mountains."
The Nickname
The beehive became associated with Utah in 1957. Utahans like the bee's qualities of industry, thrift and perseverance.
The Weather
Utah's landscape causes a great variation in temperatures from one place to another. The highest part, King's Peak, is 13,538 feet. The lowest part, Beaver Dam Wash, sits at 2,350 feet.
Fossils
Utah is a great place to explore archaeology. Several tourist attractions like Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum and Dinosaur National Monument display fossils as they were found, and as fully erected skeletons.
Great Salt Lake
The Great Salt Lake is the fourth largest no-outlet lake in the world. No fish live in the Great Salt Lake because of the high salt content.
About the Author:
Amy L. Gouger holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from East Stroudsburg University. Previously a technical agent, she now serves as a ghostwriter and contributor to various online publications.
