Social Studies

Geography of Utah

Total Size: 82,144 sq. miles (source: 2003 Census)

Geographical Low Point: Beaver Dam Wash at 2,000 feet, located in the county/subdivision of Washington (source: U.S. Geological Survey)

Geographical High Point: Kings Peak at 13,528 feet, located in the county/subdivision of Duchesne (source: U.S. Geological Survey)

Central Point: Located in Sanpete County approx. 3 miles north of Manti (source: U.S. Geological Survey)

Counties: 29 (source: National Association of Counties)

Bodies of Water: Great Salt Lake, Utah Lake, Lake Powell, Sevier Lake, San Juan River, Colorado River, Green River

Famous People

  • Roseanne Barr - Comedian and actress
  • Butch Cassidy - Bank robber and criminal
  • Philo Farnsworth - Inventor of the television
  • Julianne Hough - Dancer and actress
  • Jewel - Singer and songwriter
  • J. Willard Marriott - Founder of Marriott hotels
  • Merlin Olsen - Professional football player, commentator, and actor
  • Donny and Marie Osmond - Singer/actors
  • Byron Scott - Professional basketball player and coach
  • James Woods - Actor
  • Steve Young - Professional football player

Fun Facts

  • Utah is named after the Native American tribe 'Ute' which means 'people of the mountains'.
  • The Great Salt Lake is the largest lake west of the Mississippi River.
  • Utah hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics.
  • The mountains near Salt Lake City, Utah average 500 inches of snowfall per year.
  • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a religious group, settled in Utah in 1847.
  • It is called the Beehive State as this was an important LDS symbol standing for industry, thrift, and perseverance.
  • Utah has the highest literacy rate of any state in the US.
  • Utah is one of the Four Corners states. It meets up with Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico at a single point.
  • The US Transcontinental Railroad was completed at Promontory, Utah. The Union Pacific and the Central Pacific railroads met there and completed the track from one end of the country to the other.
  • Salt Lake City was called Great Salt Lake City up until 1968 when the Great was dropped.

Professional Sports Teams

  • Real Salt Lake - MLS (soccer)
  • Utah Jazz - NBA (basketball)