Utah (U.S. state)
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. The U.S. Congress refused Utah's application to become a state for four decades until, in 1890, the Mormon church renounced polygamy.[1]
History
Utah was originally the settlement of Mormon migrants, led by Brigham Young, who fled from Illinois (U.S. state). Between 1857 and 1858, the U.S. government under President James Buchanan conducted expeditions 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.[2]
See also
References
- ↑ The Mormons: The Path to Utah Statehood , American Experience, PBS, last access 7/3/2023
- ↑ 2005-2006 Smartest State Award, Morgan Quitno Press