How Utah Became a State

Utah is a state with a rich and unique history. From its earliest inhabitants to the present day, Utah has been a place of exploration, settlement, and growth. The story of how Utah became a state is a fascinating one, filled with stories of exploration, conflict, and perseverance. The reasons for Utah's statehood are varied and complex, but they ultimately led to the state's admission to the Union in 1896. From the earliest days of the Mormon pioneers to the modern day, Utah has been a place of exploration and progress.

Early History

Pre-colonial period

Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the area now known as Utah was inhabited by a variety of Native American tribes. These tribes included the Ute, Paiute, Goshute, and Navajo. These tribes lived in the region for centuries, relying on the land for sustenance and shelter. They developed a unique culture and way of life that was deeply connected to the land. The tribes were also known for their trading networks, which extended throughout the region.

Mormon settlers

In 1847, a group of Mormon settlers led by Brigham Young arrived in the region. The Mormons were fleeing religious persecution in the East and were looking for a place to establish their own community. The Mormons quickly established a settlement in the area, which they named Deseret. The settlement grew rapidly, and the Mormons soon established a government and began to develop the region. The Mormons also established trading networks with the Native American tribes, which allowed them to expand their influence in the region. They also established a variety of industries, including mining, ranching, and farming. By the mid-1800s, the Mormon population in the region had grown significantly, and the area was becoming an important economic and political center.

Statehood Movement

Political and Religious Factors

The political and religious factors that led to Utah becoming a state are rooted in the history of the Mormon Church. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon Church, was founded in 1830 in New York. The church's founder, Joseph Smith, was persecuted for his religious beliefs and eventually led his followers to the Great Salt Lake Valley in 1847. This area was then part of Mexico, but the Mormons declared it an independent state called Deseret.

The Mormons were a religious minority in the United States and were often discriminated against. This led to a desire for statehood in order to protect their rights. The Mormons also wanted to create a state that would be based on their religious beliefs. In 1849, the Mormons petitioned Congress for statehood, but their request was denied.

The Utah War

The Utah War was a conflict between the United States and the Mormons in Utah. In 1857, President James Buchanan sent a large military force to Utah to replace the Mormon-controlled government with a federal one. The Mormons resisted and the conflict escalated. Eventually, the Mormons agreed to a compromise and the Utah War ended in 1858.

The Utah War had a major impact on the statehood movement. The Mormons were seen as a threat to the United States and their desire for statehood was viewed with suspicion. The conflict also highlighted the need for a peaceful resolution to the statehood issue. In 1862, Congress passed the Morrill Act, which allowed Utah to become a territory. This was the first step towards statehood.

The Mormons continued to push for statehood and in 1896, Congress passed the Enabling Act, which allowed Utah to become a state. On January 4, 1896, Utah officially became the 45th state in the Union. The statehood movement was a long and difficult process, but it was ultimately successful.

Admission to the Union

Utah's Constitution

In order to become a state, Utah needed to create a state constitution. This document would serve as the blueprint for the state's government and the laws that would govern the citizens of Utah. The Utah Constitution was drafted in 1895 and was approved by the people of Utah in 1896. It was a progressive document that provided for the direct election of the governor, the initiative and referendum process, and the protection of civil rights. It also provided for the separation of church and state, which was a major concern of the federal government.

The Edmunds-Tucker Act

In order to be admitted to the Union, Utah had to comply with the Edmunds-Tucker Act. This act was passed by Congress in 1887 and was designed to limit the power of the Mormon Church. It abolished the practice of polygamy, which was a major concern of the federal government. It also limited the power of the church in other areas, such as the ability to own property and the ability to vote. The act was controversial in Utah, but the citizens of the state eventually complied with the act in order to be admitted to the Union.

The Edmunds-Tucker Act was a major hurdle for Utah to overcome in order to become a state. The act was unpopular in Utah, but the citizens of the state ultimately accepted it in order to gain admission to the Union. The act was seen as a necessary step in order to ensure that Utah would be accepted as a state and that the citizens of the state would be treated equally under the law. After the act was accepted, Utah was finally admitted to the Union in 1896.