Salt Lake City, UT
Capital of Utah
Known as “The Crossroads of the West”
Overview
Salt Lake City is the capital city of Utah, located in the West region of the United States. Founded in 1847, the city has grown to a population of approximately 200,133 residents within a state of 3,271,616 people. As both the largest city and capital of Utah, Salt Lake City serves as the political, administrative, and economic center of the state.
The city is home to the Utah State Capitol, a Neoclassical / Corinthian structure that has been a landmark since its completion in 1916. Designed by Richard K.A. Kletting, the capitol building stands as a testament to the state's history and governance, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world.
Salt Lake City has served as the capital of Utah since 1856. Before Salt Lake City, the state's capital was located in Fillmore.
Utah State Capitol
The Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City sits on a hill at the north end of State Street, offering commanding views of the Wasatch Mountains and the Salt Lake Valley. The building features a copper dome, Corinthian columns of Georgia marble, and 52 columns encircling the rotunda. A seismic upgrade and restoration completed in 2008 placed the building on base isolators to protect against earthquakes.
Neoclassical, influenced by the U.S. Capitol
Notable Features
- Commanding hilltop location with mountain views
- Copper dome and Corinthian columns of Georgia marble
- 52 columns encircling the rotunda
- Seismic base isolators installed in 2008 renovation
- WPA-era murals depicting Utah history
- Gold Room reception hall with ornate ceiling
Media Gallery
Original footage coming soon! User-submitted photos welcome.
Fun Facts & Trivia
- ★The Utah State Capitol was placed on 265 base isolators during a 2004-2008 renovation, allowing it to move up to 12 inches in any direction during an earthquake.
- ★Salt Lake City was founded by Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young in 1847.
- ★The building features 52 columns, which some say represent the weeks of the year.
- ★The capitol's location at the head of State Street provides one of the most dramatic approaches to any state capitol in the country.
- ★Utah's name comes from the Ute tribe, meaning 'people of the mountains.'
- ★The gold-leafed dome was recently restored and can be seen from much of the Salt Lake Valley.