Utah's Path to Statehood

First Application for Statehood

Jan 1, 1849

(Month and Day Not Given) Within two years of the settlement, Utah petitions the federal government for statehood.

Utah War--Soldiers Enter Utah

Mar 1, 1857

Tensions for statehood rise with federal troops entering Utah under Albert Sidney Johnston.

Morril Act

Jan 1, 1862

Congress passes anti-bigamy law aimed at Mormon settlers in Utah.

People's Party Defeats Liberal Party in SLC

Feb 9, 1870

First party politics emerges in SLC mayoral race. Mormon dominated People's Party wins.

Mass Immigration to Utah

Dec 1, 1870

In 1870, one third of all Utahans are foreign born. This gives some critics from other religions fodder to say the state is being taken over by foreigners.

Edmunds Act

Jan 1, 1882

Congress raises penalty for bigamy to $500 and 5 Years in Prison.

LDS Schools

Aug 9, 1883

Schools in Utah are criticized for being too heavily Mormon and a place for religious instruction.

The 1890 Manifesto

Jan 1, 1890

LDS Pres. Wilford Woodruff abandons polygamy as a church doctrine.

Free School Law

Mar 30, 1890

Passed to help counties pay for citizens' education and start our public school system.

Chicago World's Fair

Jul 1, 1893

Allows Mormons to display beliefs and doctrines to an international audiance for the first time--seen as a huge success.

Congress Passes Enabling Bill for Utah Statehood

Jul 10, 1894

Prepares the way for President Cleveland to admit Utah as a state.