UT, Salt Lake City, Tabernacle and City as seen in this historic 1869 photo

UT, Salt Lake City, Tabernacle and City as seen today

Salt Lake City was originally founded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) in 1847. Established by the spirit and desire of a strong willed people. They traveled for months from Nauvoo, Illinois where they were ostracized for their orthodox religious beliefs. Searching for a place where they could live in peace. A place which nobody wanted. Finally gazing upon the sight of this vast treeless and barren valley that was surrounded by mountains on almost all sides.

The Mormon's leader (Bringham Young) proclaimed without further reservations that "This is the place". Subsequently the Mormons did discuss moving because the land was so desolate but the majority of the 145 settlers finally agreed that this was indeed to be the place for there new city.

Starting with a few cottonwood trees, a small stream, and a mountain of hope, the Mormons transformed this barren plain into one of the nation's largest cities. The historic Main Street stream (located in the present day center of town) was promptly dammed for irrigation. Skilled in agriculture, the Mormons soon had corn, wheat, and potatoes growing.

The Mormons were meticulous in planning this holy city. Placing the Temple Square at the heart and extending streets outward in organized rectangular squares. Thousands of other Mormon settlers soon followed.

UT, Salt Lake City, Incoming jet prepares to land in the city between the mountains.

Today more than half-million Mormons live in Salt Lake City. The 210 foot spires of the Mormon Tabernacle (built in 1893) is one of the oldest and most renowned buildings in Salt Lake City. It contains 12,000 organ pipes and its famous choir rehearses every Thursday evening between 8 and 10 PM.

UT, Salt Lake City, Mormon Tabernacle

Bordering the city is the Great Salt Lake. Some 3,500 square miles of warm and very salty water. The lake was once part of even larger ocean that covered most of Utah, Nevada, and Idaho 600 million of years ago. In time the ocean was eventually sealed off, forming an expansive sea. Through millions of years of evaporation the salts and minerals were concentrated into what is today the Great Salt Lake. Floating is easy in water that has eight times the salt content of sea water.

The fastest growing sport in the region is snow skiing. Salt Lake City is quickly becoming a mecca for skiers across the U.S. Its pristine forested slopes and 35 feet of dry snow each winter make it one of the country's top skiing destinations. Salt Lake City will host the 2002 Winter Olympics. Downhill and Super G will take place at the nearby Wasatch-Cache National Forest.

UT, Salt Lake City, An old railcar's final resting place overlooking the Great Salt Lake.

Its snowfall is precipitated by Salt Lake's surrounding mountains which trap moisture that contributes to a meteorological phenomena unique to only a few areas in the United States. Denver and Salt Lake City are two such areas. Each city blanketed with dry white powder each winter. Nearby Deer Valley (12 chair lifts with a 2,200 feet vertical drop) and Park City (13 chair lifts and a 3,150 feet vertical drop) are the largest ski resorts in Utah. Park City has two powder runs for experts on its Blue Slip and Jupiter Bowls. Deer Valley is acclaimed for its lavish gourmet restaurants and fashion boutiques.

UT, Willard Bay State Park

Summer camping includes sites at Willard Bay State Park (35 mi N of Salt Lake City off I-15). One of the most popular of Utah's 45 State Parks and an excellent departure point for excursions to Salt Lake City. Its 9,900 acre freshwater lake is popular for swimming, boating, water skiing, and fishing. There are 144 campsites that can be reserved by contacting Willard Bay State Park, 900 West 650 North #A, Willard, UT 84340-9999 (435) 734-9494.

UT, Jordanelle Reservoir, 30 mi SE of Salt Lake City on US 40.