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Interesting Facts
- In April of 1847, Brigham Young and a band of Mormon followers fleeing religious persecution headed West along the Oregon Trail. On July 24, they arrived at Salt Lake Valley. Upon seeing the great open valley with mountains looming majestically in the backdrop, Young is quoted as saying, "This is the place." From that moment on, Salt Lake City became a "haven" for the Mormon religion.
- Although credited with founding Salt Lake City, Brigham Young is not the founder of the Mormon religion, as many assume. That distinction goes to Joseph Smith, who is said to have unearthed sacred texts that he subsequently transcribed into the Book of Mormon (1830).
- The people of Salt Lake City consume more Jell-O per capita than any other city in the United States.
- Salt Lake City was chosen by the International Olympic Committee to host the Winter Games of 2002 – the first of the 21st century.
- Covering some 2,000 square miles, the Great Salt Lake is the second largest inland body of salt water in the world (behind the Dead Sea). Because of its unique geographic location—it has no outlet to the sea—centuries of evaporation have left heavy deposits of minerals. As a result, its salinity is eight times greater than that of the ocean. In fact, it's so salty that no creatures can survive in the lake except for brine shrimp.
- In recent years, Salt Lake City has altered its liquor laws, allowing businesses more options with the beverages they sell. Licensed restaurants and private clubs can now offer bottled, draft, and canned beer; wine by the bottle and glass; and liquor by the drink – but patrons must be dining to be served alcohol. Typically, in licensed restaurants, beer (up to 3.2% alcohol) is served from 10am till 1am, and stronger beverages (including beer over 3.2%) are offered from noon to midnight. Private clubs – which do make temporary memberships available to out-of-towners – can sell everything from 10am till 1am. In addition, state liquor stores and package agencies sell beer, wine, and liquor "to-go."
- Built in 1854, Brigham Young's official residence was known as the Beehive House and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The name of the adobe home is derived from the beehive that was placed atop the roof—a symbol for hard work and industry.
- Virtually everyone has heard of the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The 325-member choir performs in a building that seats some 6,000 people and contains a massive pipe organ built in the 1800s that's said to feature nearly 12,000 pipes. The Tabernacle Choir performs two weekly shows, both free. The Sunday morning performance is broadcast nationally.
- Although named after a briny lake, Salt Lake City is just as well known for the majestic Wasatch Mountains that loom in its background. Each winter, thousands of tourists are attracted by the area's incredible skiing. Although the steep slopes provide a wonderful skiing experience, visitors need to be aware of the ever-present threat of avalanches. Due to unpredictable weather and sudden blizzards, avalanches can be triggered at any time.
- Salt Lake City's number one attraction is undoubtedly the ten acres of landscaped grounds known as Temple Square. The spectacular Mormon Temple, finished in 1893 and built of granite, is the square's centerpiece. Perhaps the best time to visit is Christmastime, when Temple Square is ablaze with approximately 300,000 sparkling lights.
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