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 | 6,615 (2022) |
| Website | Official website: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/territorial-statehouse/ |
| 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. This museum and park protects the very first place where the government of Utah Territory met. This was before the capital moved to Salt Lake City in 1856.
The statehouse was built between 1852 and 1855. It was meant to be a much bigger building. However, only the south wing was finished. The project stopped because there wasn't enough money from the government. After it was built, the Utah Territorial Legislative Assembly met there for only one full session and parts of two others.
Contents
The First Capital of Utah
In 1851, a leader named Brigham Young and other lawmakers decided that Fillmore should be the capital. They chose it because it was in the middle of the area. At first, they wanted it to be the capital of a new "State of Deseret."
When the Congress of the United States said no to their idea for statehood, they created the Utah Territory instead. Fillmore was then named the capital of this new territory.
Building the Statehouse
The original plans for the statehouse were grand. They included four wings connected by a large dome in the middle. But only the south wing was ever completed.
U.S. President Millard Fillmore helped get the first $20,000 for building. However, he couldn't get more money after he lost the next election. Both the city of Fillmore and Millard County are named after him.
In 1856, the government decided to move the capital. After holding its first and only full session there, the lawmakers left the Territorial Statehouse. They moved back to Salt Lake City, which was Utah's largest city.
From Abandoned to Museum
By the early 1900s, the building was empty and falling apart. Some people even wanted to tear it down. In the 1920s, a group called the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers (DUP) suggested fixing it up. They wanted it to become a history museum.
The museum opened in 1930. The DUP helped take care of it. In 1957, the statehouse and its land officially became a state park. Today, the Territorial Statehouse is a museum. It holds 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 an important speech there. This was the first time the statehouse was used for an official government event since 1856.
What the Statehouse Looks Like
Outside the Building
The outside walls of the statehouse are made of red stone. The people who built it thought the stone would be covered with plaster. So, some stoneworkers carved their initials into the stones. You can still see these 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. These groups met in 1855, 1856, and 1858.
There is also a plaque from the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. It was placed on August 3, 1935. It tells how Fillmore became the capital in 1851. It also mentions Governor Brigham Young choosing the spot. The plaque says building started in 1852 with Truman O. Angell as the architect. It explains that the south wing was used by the Fifth Territorial Legislature in 1855. The plaque also notes that the government moved to Salt Lake City in 1856. Later, the building was used as a courthouse. It was fixed up in 1928 and became a museum in 1930.
Inside the Building
The inside of the statehouse has many interesting rooms.
The Basement
The basement today has several exhibits for visitors.
- The Deseret News Printing Press: In 1857, there were rumors of an army coming to Utah. Leaders decided to move the Deseret News printing press from Salt Lake City. They hid it in the statehouse basement in Fillmore. This press was very important for sharing news.
- 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 for things like fighting or being too loud.
The First Floor
The first floor has a hallway and several rooms.
- The Teachers Room: This room looks like it did in the late 1800s. Back then, the statehouse was used as a school by the Presbyterian Church. After the American Civil War, many groups came to Utah. They wanted to share their beliefs and help end certain practices. The Presbyterian Church ran a school here.
- 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 dim lamps or candles.
The Second Floor
The second floor holds the Assembly Hall. This is where the territorial lawmakers met. The hall has a piano, a podium, and chairs. It also displays maps that show the size and location of the Utah Territory long ago.
See also
- Utah Territorial Legislature
- Brigham Young
- Millard County, Utah
