Utah (U.S. state)

(PD) Photo: Jon Sullivan
Bryce Canyon, Utah

Utah is a state in the western portion of the United States. It was admitted into the Union in 1896. Salt Lake City is the capital and the largest city.

Land

Physiography (land forms)

USGS shaded relief map of Utah

History

Utah was originally the settlement of Mormon migrants, led by Brigham Young, who fled from Illinois. Between 1857 to 1858, the U.S. federal government under President James Buchanan conducted expedition into Utah, in the conflict known today as the Utah War. Eventually the U.S. forces defeated Utahan troops and subjugated the territory.

Politics

Utah is one of the most conservative states in the United States, both economically and socially. The Republican Party dominates state politics. As of 2023, Spencer J. Cox is the governor of Utah. Mitt Romney and Mike Lee, both Republicans, represent the state in the U.S. Senate. Provo, Utah is one of the most conservative cities in the nation. Demographics are changing in the Salt Lake City municipality, and there have been Democrats and more liberal officials elected to office there in the 21st century.

Education

Prominent institutions of higher education in Utah include Brigham Young University, affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church), and the University of Utah.

The Morgan Quitno Press ranks Utah the 33rd in education quality among U.S. states during 2005-2006 school year.