Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum

About the Park

    In 1851, early Mormon leader Brigham Young headed a delegation of lawmakers representing the provisional state of Deseret. Their goal was to determine a location for the capital city. A centrally located site, 150 miles south of Salt Lake City, was selected. The delegation named the city Fillmore in honor of Millard Fillmore, 13th president of the United States. When the petition of statehood was denied, a territorial government was established. Brigham Young was appointed governor of the Utah Territory and Fillmore became the territorial capital.

    Construction of the Statehouse began in 1852. The original building plans called for three levels and four wings, connected by a Moorish dome at the center. Due to a lack of funding, only the existing south wing was completed. The territorial legislature met there in December 1855 and was the only full session held in the Statehouse. The seat of government returned to Salt Lake in 1858.

    The Statehouse served a variety of purposes after 1858. It functioned as a civic center, religious meeting center, school, theater and even a jail. By the turn of the century, the building had fallen into disrepair and was threatened with demolition. In the mid-1920s, the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers (DUP) proposed the Statehouse be restored as a museum. Under the direction of the Utah State Park and Recreation Commission, the museum opened in 1930 and was placed in the custodial care of the DUP. The Statehouse and grounds became a state park in 1957.

    Today, the Statehouse reveals Utah pioneer culture and history, through artifacts and paintings. An All-American Rose Society Garden and picnic area adjoin the museum. Two restored pioneer cabins and an 1867 stone schoolhouse are also located on the grounds.

    Park Elevation: 5,100 feet