21 May 1983
As noted in a previous post, Utah was founded in 1847 by a company of Mormons who were forced to leave their homes in Illinois due to religious persecution. When they arrived in the region, they named it Deseret, meaning honeybee in the Book of Mormon, and standing for industry and hard work. Hence the nickname of the state.
And on that note … welcome to the Utah State Capitol. The building was designed by Utah architect Richard K.A. Kletting in 1912 and completed in 1916. Rather than write extensively about the building, I’ll refer you to this site for more information.
The neoclassical dome is an element of architecture
that has become a common symbol of democracy in America.
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Left: Statue of Massassoit, the Great Indian Chief of
the Massachusetts, friend of the pilgrim fathers.
Right: The beehive is the symbol of industry and the motto
of the citizens of Utah. It was presented to the
state by the Kennecott Copper Corporation.
The mural in the west atrium vault is named
“The Passing of the Wagons.”
Though frequently referred to as the
“Madonna of the Covered Wagon,” this mural’s
official name is “The Arrival of the Pioneers in the
Great Salt Lake Valley in 1847.”
This replica of the Liberty Bell is one of 55 cast in France;
one was presented to each state and territory.
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