Utah history isn’t just about Mormon pioneers.
The pioneers who arrived in 1847 are a big part of the story, but there’s much more to it.
Humans have been in Utah for 10,000 years.
Utah was much cooler and wetter then. The Paleo-indians who lived here then hunted the big Ice Age mammals, such as mammoths and giant sloths.
Groups have been passing through and settling in Utah ever since then.
Later groups include the Archaic Indians; Anasazi and Fremont cultures; the Ute, Shoshone, Goshute, Paiute, and Navajo cultures; explorers and trappers; Mormons; and immigrants from many areas, including Europe, Asia, Central and South America, Africa, etc.
The Utah Historical Quarterly has preserved and published Utah history since 1928.
State History has about 1 million historical documents, photos, and books.
These are available to the public in our Research Center.
State History has tremendous online resources.
We have 30,000 photos online, information on half a million people buried in Utah, information on Utah history and archaeology, a directory of preservation contractors, information for historic building owners, tools for communities, an architectural guide to Utah (coming soon), and more.
State History has archaeologists on staff.
Archaeologists and staff collect and maintain data on archaeological sites and projects, work with Native American remains issues, provide assistance and advice, and by federal and state law comments on projects that impact archaeological resources.
State History has experts on historic buildings and preservation on staff.
These professionals collect and maintain information on Utah’s historic structures, help building owners with National Register nominations and tax credits, work to help communities make the most of their historic buildings, and provide grants.