This week’s block is Utah
Here’s some info about the beehive state
Entered Union (rank): Jan. 4, 1896 (45)
The name Utah comes from the Native American Ute tribe and means people of the mountains.
Completion of the world’s first transcontinental railroad was celebrated at Promontory where the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads met on May 10, 1869. It is now known as Golden Spike National Historic Site
Utah is the site of the nations first department store. Zions Co-operative Mercantile Institution was established in the late 1800’s. It is still in operation today as ZCMI.
Rainbow Bridge, Nature’s abstract sculpture carved of solid sandstone, is the world’s largest natural-rock span. It stands 278 feet wide and 309 feet high.
The Great Salt Lake covers 2,100 square miles, with an average depth of 13 feet. The deepest point is 34 feet.
The average snowfall in the mountains near Salt Lake City is 500 inches.
Because of the state’s inland location Utah’s snow is unusually dry. Earning it the reputation of having the world’s greatest powder. 14 Alpine ski resorts operate in Utah.
Salt Lake City was originally named Great Salt Lake City. Great was dropped from the name in 1868.
The city of Hurricane lies in line with traffic going to the National Parks and Lake Powell. Average daily traffic on Hurricane’s State Street is 7,397 visitors per day, or over 2.7 million visitors a year.
Utah is the only state whose capital’s name is made of three words. All three words in Salt Lake City have four letters each.
Utah was acquired by the United States in 1848 in the treaty ending the Mexico War.
The largest public employer in Utah is the Utah State Government.
Utah has the highest literacy rate in the nation.
Nice block for Utah! Lots of interesting facts about Utah and Hurricane's State Street traffic. We drive that road often, so we're a part of that huge amount of traffic!