National and ethnic cultures of Utah facts for kids
Utah is a place where many different cultures come together. This mix of cultures makes our cities and state more interesting and helps us connect with people from all over the world. It also prepares us for a global economy, where understanding different ways of life is important.
People have come to Utah in three main groups, or "waves." The first wave was between 1850 and 1880. During this time, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often called the LDS or Mormon Church) invited new members, mostly from Northern Europe, to come to Utah. The second wave happened from 1880 to 1920. People from all over the world arrived because of the growing railroad and mining industries. The third wave began after World War II and is still happening today. Most of these newcomers are from Mexico and Latin America. Each group brought their unique cultures and traditions with them. These cultures are like treasures, built over thousands of years of history. Having many different cultures helps people in Utah be ready for the challenges of today's global world.
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Utah's Diverse Population
In 2000, Utah had about 2.47 million people. Here's a look at the different groups:
- About 6.3% of the population were from various ethnic groups. This included 2.4% Asian, 1.7% American Indian, 1.3% Black, and 0.9% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.
- Many people also identified with major national groups. For example, 11.5% were German, 10.4% Hispanic (mostly Mexican), 6.5% Danish, 5.9% Irish, 4.4% Scottish, 4.3% Swedish, and 2.1% Italian. These groups made up about 45.1% of the population.
- Another 12.8% of people came from other countries, like Bosnia, France, Russia, Sudan, and Venezuela.
- People of English and American (mostly English background) ancestry made up 29% and 6.8% respectively, totaling 35.8%.
This information shows that more than half of Utah's population has roots in ethnic groups or non-English speaking national groups.
Understanding Ethnic and National Groups
It can be tricky to tell the difference between ethnic and national groups. Their meanings can change depending on who is talking about them. Both terms often refer to a mix of a person's background and their customs.
In the United States, "ethnic group" often means people who share a common family origin or physical traits. So, people from Asia, African Americans, and Native Americans are usually called ethnic groups because of their distinct looks.
"National group," on the other hand, usually refers to differences in language and customs. This term often describes people from specific countries with unique cultures, like Germans or Russians.
"Hispanic" or "Latino" people are often seen as a mix. This is because many have both Spanish (European) and Native American backgrounds due to intermarriage. These terms can be a bit general and sometimes used interchangeably. In this article, we use common American terms, but it's good to know there are different ways to think about these groups.
Major Ethnic Groups in Utah
African Americans
In 1850, there were about 60 Black people in Utah, mostly working on farms. By 1900, this number grew to 677, largely because of railroad construction jobs. Churches like Trinity African Methodist and Calvary Baptist were started in Salt Lake City by the 1890s.
In the past, Black people faced a lot of unfair treatment. They had limited chances for public jobs and good careers. Many young Black people left Utah because of this. Marriage between different races was against the law. Things started to get better in the 1960s, thanks to national efforts for equal rights.
In 1976, Reverend Robert Harris became the first African American elected to the Utah Legislature. In 1978, the LDS Church allowed Black men to become priests. Since then, the lives of African Americans in Utah have improved. In 2000, there were about 30,000 Black people in Utah, making up 1.3% of the total population.
- Organizations: NAACP Salt Lake Branch, Black Affairs, Ethnic Office, Utah Government.
Native Americans
Today, the main tribes in Utah are the Utes, Shoshone, Goshute, and Paiutes. They are descendants of the Numic people who came to Utah around 1200 A.D. They replaced earlier groups like the Fremont and Anasazi cultures.
When Mormon pioneers arrived in Utah in 1847, there were about 20,000 Native Americans. For many years, they lost control of their traditional lands. By 1960, their population dropped to about 7,000. However, with better government programs, their numbers grew. By 1980, the population was back to around 19,000, similar to 1847. Today, many Native Americans in Utah are finding a good balance between their tribal life and living within the larger society.
Chinese
Chinese workers began arriving in Utah around 1860 to help build the railroads. They were known as skilled and reliable workers. After the railroads were finished in the early 1900s, some found jobs in the new mining industry. Others started their own businesses, like laundries, restaurants, and small stores.
They often lived in humble but colorful "Chinatowns." Many were single men who planned to return to China one day. They faced tough times and unfair treatment. For example, in 1902, mining unions tried to boycott their businesses. Before World War II, the biggest Chinese communities were in Ogden, Salt Lake City, and Park City.
In 1890, there were about 500 Chinese people in Utah. This number grew slightly but then dropped to about 500 again by 1940 due to the Great Depression. After World War II, the population steadily increased. By 1990, there were over 5,000 Chinese people in Utah.
- Organizations: UOCA, Utah Organization of Chinese Americans.
Japanese
Like the Chinese, Japanese people started coming to Utah in the 1860s to work on the railroads. By 1900, over 400 Japanese lived in Utah. Their numbers grew in the next 20 years because of the booming mining industry. By 1920, nearly 3,000 Japanese people lived here.
Major Japanese communities were in Ogden, Salt Lake City, and Carbon County. A newspaper, a Buddhist Temple, and a Christian church were built near "Japan Town" in Salt Lake City. These are still here today. However, Japan Town itself was torn down to build the Salt Palace.
Things got harder for Japanese immigrants after anti-immigration laws in 1924. Discrimination worsened, and Japanese children were sometimes not allowed to join public school activities. The biggest challenge came during World War II. Many Japanese Americans were forced to live in camps in remote areas of Utah, like Topaz. Their cemetery was even damaged by people who were afraid of them.
After the war, the government admitted the unfair treatment Japanese Americans faced and offered some help. Today, Japanese people in Utah continue their traditions while actively contributing to the community.
- Organizations: Salt Lake Buddhist Church, Japanese Church of Christ, Utah Nippo newspaper, Japanese-American Citizen's League.
National Groups from Africa
Sudan – Sudanese
In 2005, about 2,000 Sudanese people lived in Utah. Most of them were recent immigrants who came as refugees starting in 1999. They were fleeing a war in Sudan between Muslims in the North and Christians in the South.
Life in Utah is safer for them, away from the dangers of war. They mostly live in Salt Lake County, especially in Salt Lake City and West Valley City. Many plan to stay in the USA. Most Sudanese immigrants are working, and many are also studying in college. They often find jobs at stores or in warehouses. Some Sudanese women attend school to learn skills for starting their own businesses. Most of them rent their homes.
Arabic is the official language in Sudan, but most Sudanese in Utah know English. Many are Christians (about 95%) since they are mostly from South Sudan. They are very religious and meet at church every Sunday.
- Organizations: Sudanese Association of Utah, a non-profit group.
National Groups from Latin America
Hispanics
Hispanics (or Latinos) are named for their cultural background, which is mainly from Spain or Portugal. Genetically, many also have a significant Native American heritage. Because of this, immigrants from Central and South America are grouped under the term "Hispanics."
Mexico - Mexicans
About 80% of the Hispanic people in Utah come from Mexico. The rest are from other countries in Central and South America. After World War II, Mexicans became the fastest-growing group of immigrants. They are the largest group in the most recent wave of newcomers. In 2005, they made up 8.3% of Utah's population, a big increase from 3.9% in 1990.
The first Europeans to explore Utah were Spanish friars in 1778. Utah was part of Mexico until 1848. No permanent Mexican towns were built, but the Spanish Trail ran through southern Utah, and some places still have Spanish names.
The first Hispanic settlers in Utah were ranchers from New Mexico and Colorado. They found jobs in southwestern Utah in the 1880s. By 1900, many families lived there. At the same time, many Mexicans came to Salt Lake and Ogden to work in railroads and mines. They often joined Catholic churches.
After World War II, the Centro Civico Mexicano was started in Salt Lake City and is still active today. Many Mexicans are now well-integrated in Utah. However, some social problems like high rates of school dropouts, joblessness, and poverty are still common among Mexican immigrants.
- Organizations: Centro Civico Mexicano, Salt Lake City.
National Groups from Europe
Basque
Most Basques came to Utah in the late 1800s. They mostly worked as shepherds on large ranches. They were known as very dependable ranchers in the West. Shepherding had been their job for centuries in their homeland between France and Spain. Many also worked in the mines when they opened in the early 1900s. Today, only a few hundred Basques live in Utah, but they are still very dedicated to their old traditions.
- Organizations: Utah Basque Club, Utah'ko Triskalariak Basque Dancers (a folk dance group).
Spaniards
Spaniards were the first Europeans to visit Utah. After their first visits, more people from Spain and New Spain (Mexico) continued to come over the next century. Many Spaniards moved to northern Utah in the 1700s. They lived on ranches and in small villages.
Denmark - Danes
Many Danes came to Utah in the early years, just like the British. Both groups came in large numbers and were new members of the Mormon Church. The main difference was that Danes did not speak English. By 1869, about 17,000 Danes had arrived in Utah. This was the second-largest group after the British.
In the 1890 census, 10% of Utah's population had Danish connections. This trend continued for many years. By 2000, the percentage had dropped to 6.5%. Most Danes were farmers from Northern Jutland. They settled in farming areas in northern Utah (like Box Elder and Cache counties) and southern Utah (like Sevier and Sanpete counties).
Even though Church leaders encouraged them to learn English and join English-speaking congregations, many Danish language groups thrived. A Danish newspaper was published from 1876 to 1935. Many Danes became important leaders in both the Church and society. However, for the first generation, language was often a barrier.
- Organizations: Danish consulate.
Finland - Finns
Finnish immigrants came to America in large numbers around 1900, looking for better opportunities. Their home country was also fighting a war against Russia. About 375,000 Finns moved to the United States around that time. Most settled in the Midwest, but a few came to Utah.
In 1900, about 200 Finns lived in Utah's mining areas, especially in Carbon County. They liked to create "Little Finland" communities with a Finn hall, a boarding house, and especially a sauna. Their community faced a tragedy in 1900 when 60 Finns died in the Scofield mine disaster. Many who survived left Utah, but some stayed. Today, the Finnish group is small but still works hard to keep their culture alive.
- Organizations: Finlandia Society, Salt Lake City.
Greece - Greeks
Greeks, along with Italians, are the largest Mediterranean community in Utah. They came to Utah in the early 1900s because of the growing railroad and mining industries. These jobs were not popular with local Mormons. In 1910, about 4,000 Greeks lived in Utah, though the real number was probably higher.
Greeks cared deeply about their religious heritage. They built their first Greek Orthodox Church in downtown Salt Lake City. At first, most were single men. Their work was dangerous, and they wanted to be buried according to their religious traditions. Over 100 funerals were held between 1910 and 1924 for men killed in work accidents.
Many hoped to return home but later decided to stay and marry "picture wives." As more immigrants arrived, businesses like coffeehouses, bakeries, and grocery stores with Greek products opened. They also started a school to teach Greek language and culture to their children.
During World War II, many Greeks served in the Army, and the community became more prosperous. After the war, two more churches opened, and today the Greek community is thriving. The Greek festival in Salt Lake City attracts over 100,000 people every September.
- Organizations: Hellenic Cultural Center of Salt Lake City.
Germany – Germans
One of the first 143 Mormon pioneers who entered the Salt Lake Valley in 1847 was German. German immigration to Utah was mostly linked to the Mormon "Gathering in Zion." However, some Germans also came for mining and railroad jobs, and a few were part of the Jewish community. A famous early German immigrant was Karl G. Maeser, who founded Brigham Young University.
By 1910, over 5,000 Germans lived in Utah. They faced a challenge when the United States declared war on Germany in World War I, but most supported their new country. During World War II, about 7,000 German soldiers were held as prisoners of war in Utah. Some stayed after the war. Also, about 3,000 German Mormons moved to Utah after the war.
Many famous Utahns are of German background, including musicians, architects, painters, scholars, and Church leaders. German language and traditions have been kept alive through various groups. Today, similar organizations continue to do well. There is a radio program and a choir called Harmonie. A German American Society of Utah was formed in 1983. About 100,000 German tourists visit Utah every year.
Great Britain - British
Immigrants from the British Isles were different from most others in Utah. They came early, in large numbers, and were mostly Mormons. They spoke English and quickly became leaders in both the LDS Church and society. Many arrived with the first Mormon groups, and a large number continued to come for the next 20 years.
In 1870, about 24% of Utah's population was born in Great Britain. If their American-born children are included, this number could be almost 50%. Even more British people were leaders in the LDS Church. For example, John Taylor, a Briton, became the Church President after Brigham Young. The same was true in government and business.
Speaking the same language, sharing the same culture, and having the same religion as the Mormon leaders helped them fit in easily. British immigrants also greatly helped American Mormons develop the new land in the early years before the railroad arrived. British immigration continues today, though at lower rates. In 1980, 3.2% of Utahns were born in the British Isles.
- Organizations: Cambrian Society, Caledonia Society, Scottish social club.
Italy – Italians
A small group of about 60 Waldensians came to Utah in the 1860s from Piedmont, Italy, after hearing about Mormon missionaries. Then came the big "wave" from 1880 to 1920. Thousands arrived, and soon a "Little Italy" formed on the west side of Salt Lake City, with stores selling Italian food and goods. Italians mostly lived in Salt Lake County, Carbon County, and Ogden.
Local Italian newspapers, like Il Minatore (The Miner) and La Scintilla (The Spark), kept new immigrants informed. Most Italians who came to Utah were Catholic. A priest from Italy, Monsignor Giovannoni, was sent to help them with language barriers. The Italian Vice Consul, Fortunato Anselmo, helped them with government papers.
During World War II, about 4,000 Italian soldiers were held as prisoners in Utah camps. Some stayed after the war. The first generation of immigrants often had to take low-paying jobs. However, later generations of Italian Americans have done very well in Utah. They can be found in all kinds of jobs and businesses, just like any other group. The first Italian to become a state lawmaker was Frank Bonacci in the 1930s. Today, Italian immigration to Utah has mostly stopped, except for a few new members of the LDS Church.
Sweden – Swedes
Most Swedes came to Utah because they joined the LDS Church, similar to the Danes and British. They came in smaller numbers. In 1910, about 17,000 Swedes and their children lived in Utah, making up 4.6% of the state's population. They seemed to do well, as the 2000 census showed a similar percentage of 4.3%.
The counties with the most Swedes were Tooele, Salt Lake, and Cache. Grantsville and a neighborhood in Salt Lake City had a Swedish majority. Like other immigrants, they wanted to keep their language and culture. The LDS Church encouraged them to join English-speaking congregations. However, a group asked for Swedish-speaking congregations. The Church's refusal led to what was called the "Swedish rebellion" in 1902, and some people left the Church.
Overall, Swedes fit in very well with the new society. They succeeded in business, industry, politics, and Church leadership. The current President of the LDS Church, Thomas S. Monson, has Swedish ancestors. The most famous Swede from this period is Joe Hill (Hagglund), a union leader during the mining era.
- Organizations: Swedish Honorary Consulate of Salt Lake City.
Switzerland – Swiss
Swiss immigrants began arriving in Utah in the 1850s because of Mormon missionaries in Switzerland. In 1860, there were 78 Swiss people in Utah. By 1910, that number reached 1,700, which was a lot for a small country like Switzerland.
Brigham Young sent a group of Swiss immigrants to start the town of Santa Clara, near St. George, and they did an excellent job. Another city with a Swiss majority is Midway, near Heber. Many Swiss also live in Providence, near Logan, and in other parts of Cache Valley.
Typical Swiss industries like cheesemaking and watchmaking were brought to Utah. Many notable Utahns are descendants of Swiss pioneers, including professors, artists, musicians, business people, and politicians. The Swiss influence in Utah is still strong today. It's very clear during the Swiss Days in Midway, which attracts over 60,000 visitors every year.
- Organizations: Swiss Festival of Midway, Swiss Honorary Consulate of Salt Lake City.
Utah's Religious Communities
Jewish community
The first Jewish people who settled in Salt Lake City in the 1850s were merchants and business owners. They came from Germany and Hungary, arriving from the Eastern United States. They started successful stores and businesses. Their numbers grew when the railroad opened. In 1876, there were about 40 Jewish families, and by 1891, that number had doubled.
Many Jewish people became important business leaders and citizens. They held top positions in the city council, the legislature, and the chamber of commerce. Simon Bamberger became the first non-Mormon Governor in 1916. Louis Marcus became mayor of Salt Lake City in 1932.
For their religion, the Jewish community built their first synagogue in 1883 in downtown Salt Lake City. They faced some disagreements between the more traditional East Europeans and the more liberal Germans. Eventually, they decided to separate, and the building was sold. A new synagogue was built by the liberal group in 1891.
For social events, the Jewish community bought a large building downtown, which was used for many years. In 2003, a new Jewish Community Center was bought near the University of Utah. The synagogue also moved from downtown to a residential area. In 2005, the Jewish community had about 5,000 members.
- Organizations: Synagogue Kol Ami, Salt Lake City; Jewish Community Center; Chabad and The Rohr Jewish Learning Institute.
