Utah Territorial Statehouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Utah Territorial Capitol
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 Location in Utah
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| Location | Fillmore, Utah United States |
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| Built | 1852–55 |
| Architect | Truman O. Angell |
| Visitation | 20,562 (2009) |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000625 |
| Added to NRHP | September 22, 1970 |
The Utah Territorial Statehouse, also known as the Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum, is a special state park in Fillmore, Utah. It protects the very first building used by the government of the Utah Territory. This important building was constructed between 1852 and 1855. It was meant to be much bigger, but only one part, the south wing, was ever finished. This happened because there wasn't enough money from the government. The Utah Territorial Legislature only met in the building one time. After that, the capital was moved to Salt Lake City in 1856.
Contents
A Look at Its History
In 1851, a leader named Brigham Young and other lawmakers decided that Fillmore should be the capital. They thought it was a good spot because it was in the middle of the area. At first, they wanted it to be the capital of the "State of Deseret." But the U.S. Congress didn't approve their request for statehood. Instead, they created the Utah Territory, and Fillmore became its capital.
The original plans for the statehouse were grand! They showed four wings connected by a large dome in the middle. However, only the south wing was ever completed. U.S. President Millard Fillmore helped get the first $20,000 for building. But he couldn't get more money after he lost the next election. Both Fillmore (the city) and Millard County were named after President Fillmore. In 1856, after only one full meeting, the Utah Legislature left the Territorial Statehouse. They moved to a new location in Salt Lake City, which was Utah's biggest city.
By the early 1900s, the building was empty and falling apart. Some people even wanted to tear it down. But in the 1920s, a group called the Daughters of Utah Pioneers (DUP) suggested fixing it up. They wanted it to become a history museum. The museum opened in 1930 and the DUP helped take care of it. The statehouse and its land became a state park in 1957. Today, the Territorial Statehouse is a museum. It has many old items from the 1800s and early 1900s. You can also see two old cabins and a pioneer stone schoolhouse on the grounds.
In 2005, Utah's governor, Jon Huntsman, Jr., gave his "State of the State" speech from the Territorial Statehouse. This happened while the main State Capitol building was being fixed. It was the first time the Territorial Statehouse was used for an official Utah government event since 1856!
What the Outside Looks Like
The outside of the statehouse is made of red stone. The stoneworkers who built it thought the stone would be covered with stucco. So, they carved their initials into some of the stones. You can still see those initials today!
On the south wall, there is a special plaque from the National Register of Historic Places. It says that the building was used by the 5th, 6th, and 8th Legislatures in 1855, 1856, and 1858. There's also a plaque from the Daughters of Utah Pioneers from August 3, 1935. It tells more about the building's history:
Creating Fillmore City and Millard County the territorial legislature of Utah selected Pahvant Valley as capitol site Oct. 29, 1851. This spot was selected by Governor Brigham Young. Construction work began in 1852. Truman O. Angell, architect and Anson Call, supervisor. This south wing was used by the Fifth Territorial Legislature Oct. 10, 1855. In 1856 the seat of government was moved to Salt Lake City. Later used as court house and county headquarters. Restored in 1928 and dedicated as state museum July 24, 1930. Custodians; Daughters of Utah Pioneers.
Exploring the Inside
The Basement
The basement of the statehouse has several interesting exhibits:
- The Deseret News printing press: In July 1857, people heard rumors that an army was coming to Utah. Leaders decided to move the Deseret News printing press from Salt Lake City. They hid it in the basement of the statehouse in Fillmore. This press was very important for sharing news. They wanted to keep it safe.
- Model of the statehouse: The basement also has a model. It shows what the Territorial Statehouse would have looked like if it had been fully built.
- Jail cell: In the late 1800s and early 1900s, a room in the basement was used as a jail. Prisoners were held there, sometimes with chains on the floor. Bars were put on the windows. People could be jailed for things like being too loud, fighting, or riding horses too fast.
The First Floor
The first floor has a hallway and several rooms. Here are some of them:
- The Teachers Room: This room looks just like it did in the late 1800s. Back then, the Territorial Statehouse was used as a school run by the Presbyterian Church. After the American Civil War, many churches started schools in Utah. They wanted to help people learn and share their beliefs. The Territorial Statehouse became one of these schools.
- The Governor's Office: Brigham Young chose this room for the Governor's office. It got sunlight in the morning and afternoon. This was important because sunlight was better than using lamps or candles.
The Second Floor
The second floor has the Assembly Hall. This is where the territorial legislature met. The Assembly Hall has a piano, a podium, and chairs. It also has maps that show how big the Utah Territory was back then.
Images for kids
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The Utah Territorial Statehouse today.
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A model of the Utah Territorial Statehouse as originally conceived by architect Truman O. Angell. The red area represents the portion of the building that was actually completed.
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An architectural drawing by Truman O. Angell of the original design for the Utah Territorial Statehouse.
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An historic printing press displayed in the statehouse, which once printed the Deseret News.
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Second floor of the Territorial Statehouse
