| Famous for its dramatic beauty, Utah is a land of extravagant landscapes. Redrock canyons, lush forests, snowcapped mountains and countless streams and lakes attract visitors and residents alike into the great outdoors. Utah’s strong Mormon population, although less than half the population today, has a big impact on the state’s government, economy and culture. |
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The Great Salt Lake was discovered in 1824 by trappers who thought they discovered an arm of the Pacific Ocean. In 1847, Salt Lake City was founded by the Mormons led by Brigham Young. They kept moving westward to find a place where they could live without persecution by those who did not understand or agree with Mormon beliefs. By damming a creek that flowed across the present site of Salt Lake City, the Mormons introduced what is believed to be the first irrigation practiced by Anglo-Saxons. The United States gained the region in 1848 through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. The territory of Utah was then create in 1850 with Brigham Young as governor.
Mining prospects brought many diverse ethnic groups into Utah in these early years. Among the largest groups were Greeks. There are still very large pockets of Greek people Bingham Canyon, Price, Helper and Park City.
Scientific advances have been made in Utah. Most notably was the first artificial heart. It was designed and developed at the University of Utah and the first artificial heart transplant took place in the university’s medical center.
A little known, developing business in the state is the film industry. The opening graphics for "Star Wars" were developed in Utah and Robert Redford’s Sundance Institute is the home of the annual Sundance Film Festival.
Utah has a growing and diversified economy. High technology, manufacturing, retail sales and the service industry are increasing in importance as metal mining and agriculture decline. Many service related jobs are flourishing due to state’s booming tourist industry, which brings in over $2 billion annually.
Mining is still prevalent, with the state being among the leading producers of copper, gold, silver, coal, crude oil and natural gas. There are still large deposits of uranium and beds of potash. Mineral products include gypsum for plaster, molybdenum for hardening steel and phosphate rock for fertilizer.
Agriculture still brings in substantial revenues for the state. Beef, dairy, sheep, turkeys, eggs and hogs account for almost 50% of the state’s agricultural revenue. Farming of alfalfa, wheat and minks are very profitable as well.
The statewide sales tax in Utah is 5 percent. Local options allow additional increments of up to 1.5 percent. Qualified localities may add a 1 percent lodgings tax and counties are authorized to levy an additional lodgings tax of up to 3 percent.
The state has numerous recreational opportunities. It has five national parks, seven national forests, portions of two national recreation areas and six national monuments. Winter sports abound with ski resorts in Alta, Brighton, Park City, Snowbird and Solitude. Non-winter activities include whitewater rafting and canoeing along with hunting and fishing.
