Salt Lake City History, Utah

Salt Lake City is the most populous city in Utah, US and it was founded by a Mormon pioneers group in 1847. They irrigated the valley extensively and underwent persecution from US government for their common observance of polygamy. A new state known as Deseret was organized by the Mormon pioneers and they petitioned its recognition during 1849. The US congress rejected the settlers during 1850 and set up the Utah Territory. Fillmore was replaced by the Great Salt Lake City in 1858 as a territorial capital and it got its shorter name as Salt Lake City. In 1857, James Buchanan, the President, declared the place in rebellion as Brigham Young declined from stepping down as a governor. This led to the beginning of the Utah War. Fort Douglas, another installation of the military was established during 1862 aimed at maintaining a Union allegiance at the time of American Civil War.

The completion of the first trans-continental railroad got completed during 1879 at the Promontory Summit. In 1870, a railroad got connected with the city from Trans-continental road, making travel much easier. This was followed by a mass migration of several groups. Economic opportunities were seen in the booming industry of mining and these groups made St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral during 1874, Greek Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral during 1905 and Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Madeleine during 1909. The present red light district of the city was also created during that period which employed around 300 courtesans before 1911, the year in which it was closed down.

During the early 20th and late 19th centuries, a system of streetcar was constructed in the city with its first streetcar run during 1872. The system was electrificated during 1889. Transit system through rail was re-introduced in the city during 1999 when a light system of rail, called TRAX, was opened.

The population of the city started stagnating during 20th century as the population shifted to the suburban areas south and north of the city. Some of these areas got annexed to this city while the nearby towns expanded by incorporating themselves. The city witnessed a great population decrease from 1960 to 1980 but it got recovered in the 1990s.

The Salt Lake City was chosen the host of 2002 Winter Olympics during 1995 but the games faced lots of controversy that bribes were given to make the city as a host of the games. In the preparation for the event, local freeways were repaired and expanded and a light system of rail was constructed.

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