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Utah Genealogy

Utah Genealogy Facts

The region was first explored for Spain by Franciscan friars Escalante and Dominguez in 1776. In 1824 the famous American frontiersman Jim Bridger discovered the Great Salt Lake. Fleeing religious persecution in the East and Midwest, the Mormons arrived in 1847 and began to build Salt Lake City. The U.S. acquired the Utah region in the treaty ending the Mexican War in 1848, and the first transcontinental railroad was completed with the driving of a golden spike at Promontory Summit in 1869. Mormon difficulties with the federal government about polygamy did not end until the Mormon Church renounced the practice in 1890, six years before Utah became a state.

Utah County Genealogy

County recorders maintain those land records of transactions filed in their counties. Many original birth and death records before statewide recording have been transferred to the Utah State Archives. It is best to contact them first regarding a specific county’s records in their holdings. Those county record books before 1905 which have not been transferred are at the county recorder’s office. Courts were divided into districts with different county seats functioning as the seat of record at different times. Some of the original records which are extant for a county may not be in the county seat, but may have been transferred to the Utah State Archives. Those at the county seat reside with the county clerk.

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COUNTY PAGES UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Utah has counties that no longer exist. They were established by the state, provincial, or territorial government. Most of these counties were created and disbanded in the 19th century; county boundaries have changed little since 1900 in the vast majority of states. These counties need to be looked at when doing genealogy research. Pay close attention where the courthouse records went to if the county was abolished or combined with another county.

  • Carson County was estabished on 17 Jan 1854 by the Utah Territory; it was abolished  on 02 Mar 1861. Area now in Nevada
  • Cedar County was estabished on 05 Jan 1856 ; it was abolished  on 17 Jan 1862
  • Desert County was estabished on 03 Mar 1852 ; it was abolished  on 17 Jan 1862
  • Greasewood County was estabished on 05 Jan 1856 ; it was abolished  on 17 Jan 1862
  • Great Salt Lake County was estabished on 03 Mar 1852 ; it was renamed  on 29 Jan 1868 Salt Lake County
  • Green River County was estabished on 03 Mar 1852 ; it was abolished  on 16 Feb 1872
  • Humboldt County was estabished on 05 Jan 1856 ; it was abolished  on 02 Mar 1861. Area now in Nevada
  • Malad County was estabished on 05 Jan 1856 ; it was abolished  on 17 Jan 1862 . Area now in Box Elder County
  • Richland County was estabished on 16 Jan 1864 ; it was renamed  Rich County on 29 Jan 1868.
  • Rio Virgin County was estabished on 18 Feb 1869 ; it was abolished  on 16 Feb 1872
  • St. Mary’s County was estabished on 05 Jan 1856 ; it was abolished  on 02 Mar 1861
  • Shambip County was estabished on 12 Jan 1856 ; it was abolished  on 17 Jan 1862 . Area now in Tooele County

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Utah Genealogy Links

See Utah County Genealogy for County Links. These genealogy links fall into 3 categories: Commercial Sites, Personal Sites or Organization Sites. Some are have free access some require a payment. This is just a list that has been collected or submitted. I do not endorse or promote one genealogy site above another. Feel free to submit your own favorite genealogy or family history related sites.

Utah State History

Utah, state in the western United States, partly in the Rocky Mountains. Its great variety of landscapes includes high wooded mountains, lakes, valley oases, barren salt flats, deserts, and a wild plateau country with strange rock formations and rainbow-colored canyons.

The name Utah is derived from a Native American word meaning those who dwell high up or mountaintop dwellers. Arriving Europeans mistakenly believed the name referred to the Ute people, later applying the word to the state. The state’s original name was Deseret, from a word in the Book of Mormon that means land of the honey bee. It in turn gave rise to Utah’s nickname, the Beehive State, connoting hard work and industry.

From the time of its early settlement until the mid-20th century, Utah was known primarily for its agricultural and mining industries. By the late 20th century, however, the state had developed a diversified economy, with a wide range of manufactured products. Tourism has also become a major element of the economy, and increasing numbers of visitors are attracted by the state’s many natural landmarks. Salt Lake City is Utah’s capital and largest city.

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