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UT Strand 2: UTAH'S DIVERSE PEOPLES

(Ca. 1847-1896)

The arrival of European immigrants in Utah launched a period of immigration, dramatic cultural change, and conflict among Utah's many diverse peoples. This period begins with the Mormon migration, expansion of settlement in the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau, and accompanying political conflict, wars, and violence. After 1860 the development of mining and other industries created a complex economy and drew new immigrants to the state, increasing Utah's religious and cultural diversity. Railroads became an important engine of social, cultural, political, and economic change. Utah's transition from territory to state was long and difficult. By 1896 Utah had become deeply and increasingly interconnected with the nation and the world.

Possible Guiding Questions to Consider:

  • What factors led various peoples to settle in Utah?
  • What geographic factors positioned Utah to become "the crossroads of the West"?
  • What was the role of Brigham Young and other pioneer leaders in the settlement of Utah?
  • How do culture and the interaction of cultures shape a sense of place?
  • How did white settlement effect Native American Indian communities?
  • Why did Utah struggle to attain statehood?
  • How did Mormons interrelate with other immigrant groups in Utah?
  • How did improved transportation, industry, and mining transform Utah's economy, politics, and other aspects of culture?
  • What were the causes of the various conflicts that occurred during the territorial period? How were these conflicts resolved? What were the lasting consequences of these conflicts?
  • Engines of Change: Railroads in Utah
    OUR PAST, THEIR PRESENT: Teaching Utah with Primary Sources: Engines of Change: Railroads in Utah
  • NPS: Golden Spike National Historic Site
    Golden Spike National Historic Site commemorates the completing of this nation's first transcontinental railroad which ended at Promontory, Utah.
  • Teaching with Utah History
    These Utah-based lessons and primary sources are geared for upper elementary and secondary students. They offer local examples of major themes in American and Utah history, world history, geography, economics, earth science/ecology/environmental studies, and more.
  • Trails of Hope: Overland Diaries and Letters
    Trails of Hope: Overland Diaries and Letters, 1846-1869 is a collection of the original writings of 49 voyagers on the Mormon, California, Oregon, and Montana trails who wrote while traveling on the trail. The collection also includes interactive maps of the area traveled by these pioneers.
  • Women Making Utah History
    Better Days 2020 has developed curriculum devoted to introducing students to Utah's role in women's voting rights from 1870 to the present day.


UEN logo http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Robert  Austin and see the Social Studies website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.