Your park fees provide for the care, protection and
enhancement of this park.
Collections
A
rtifact collections at Territorial
Statehouse reflect the stories of Utah’s
Mormon pioneer past. Furniture, textiles,
ceramics, tools and a large collection of
photographs of Millard County pioneers are
exhibited throughout the site.
There are rooms
dedicated to the
many roles the
Statehouse has
played in Utah’s
history. Wander
through the recreated jail cell, Deseret News Press
printing room, and old schoolrooms. The
Statehouse is also home to many artifacts
associated with the events of Utah’s territorial government, including furniture from
the old governor’s office.
Operating Hours
Territorial Statehouse
State Park Museum
The museum is open year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
Monday through Saturday, and closed Sunday. Closed
Thanksgiving, December 25 and January 1.
Address Inquiries To:
Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum
50 West Capitol Avenue
Fillmore, UT 84631-0657
(435) 743-5316
(435) 743-4723 Fax
or
Utah State Parks and Recreation
P.O. Box 146001
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6001
(801) 538-7220, (877) UT-PARKS
stateparks.utah.gov
Driving Directions
For Reservations Call:
500 N.
I-15
100 S.
(801) 322-3770 or toll-free (800) 322-3770
Fillmore
Territorial Statehouse
State Park Museum
Utah State Parks Mission:
To enhance the quality of life by preserving and providing
natural, cultural and recreational resources for the
enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future
generations.
Information contained in this brochure was accurate at the time
of printing. Policies, facilities, fees, hours and regulations, etc.,
change as mandated. For updated information please contact the
park.
F
rom I-15 southbound take exit 167 for Fillmore. Turn left at N. Cedar Mountain Road.
Continue down Main Street and turn right on
100 South. From I-15 northbound take exit 163
for Fillmore. Turn right on Highway 99 and continue to Main Street. Turn left on 100 South.
The Utah Department of Natural Resources receives federal aid
and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, age,
national origin or disability. For information or complaints regarding discrimination, contact Executive Director, Utah Department of
Natural Resources, P.O. Box 145610, Salt Lake City, UT 841145610 or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 1801 L
Street, NW, Washington DC 20507-001
Printed on recycled paper
08/09
5M
Utah State Parks
Development of the State of Utah
territorial
statehouse
Events
P
E
xplore Territorial Statehouse State
Park Museum, Utah’s oldest existing governmental building and first state
park. Relive pioneer life through exhibits
and artifacts, paintings and portraits,
and special events. Tour the 1867 rock
schoolhouse and two pioneer log cabins, which are also part of this historic
site. Enjoy a shady picnic area and an
All-American Rose Society garden.
Utah’s First Capital
I
n 1851, newly-appointed Governor
Brigham Young and a delegation
of lawmakers selected a site for the
capital of the Utah Territory. In honor of
U.S. President Millard Fillmore, the new
capital city and county were named
Fillmore and Millard, respectively.
The Statehouse was designed by Truman O. Angell who is also credited with
design of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints temple in Salt Lake
City. Construction began in 1852.
Utah Territory
1868-1896
Original building plans called for three levels and
four wings, connected by a Moorish dome at the
center. Today’s red sandstone building is the
south wing of the proposed structure, which was
never fully constructed. The December 1855
meeting of the Territorial Legislature was the
only full session held in the Statehouse, and in
1858, the seat of government returned to Salt
Lake.
State of Deseret - 1849
A Building of Many Uses
Utah Territory - 1850
espite its stately appearance, the Statehouse
has a colorful history having served as a legislative hall, jail, theater, school and a hiding place for the
Deseret News Press.
Ceded to Nevada Territory - 1862
D
Ceded to Nevada Territory - 1861
Ceded to Nevada - 1866
Ceded to Colorado Territory - 1861
Ceded to Nebraska Territory - 1861
Ceded to Wyoming Territory - 1868
During the Utah War, the Statehouse basement served
as a hiding place for the Deseret News Press for two
months. Later, one room functioned as a holding cell for prisoners until they could be sent to the Territorial Penitentiary in Sugar House. After 1858, the Statehouse functioned as a civic center, religious meeting house, school and theater.
By the turn of the century, the building had decayed and demolition
seemed imminent. In the mid-1920s, the Daughters of Utah Pioneers
(DUP) proposed the Statehouse be restored as a museum. Under direction of the Utah State Parks Commission, the museum opened in
1930 and was placed in custodial care of DUP. The Statehouse and
grounds became an official state park in 1957.
lan to enjoy some
of the many great
events at Territorial
Statehouse State Park
Museum.
Experience the Old
Capital Arts Festival,
which is held annually, the first weekend
after Labor Day. The festival is a celebration of
fine arts and crafts, including paintings, jewelry,
photography and sculpture. Enjoy cowboy poetry
and a variety of hands-on activities, including
pioneer games and events for children.
Celebrate a pioneer Christmas by making traditional holiday decorations, stringing popcorn
for the tree and learning a pioneer dance.
Fill your dance card at our Statehood Day
Dance for teens. Wear semi-formal attire, play
games to find a partner and learn traditional
Utah dances.
Park Guidelines
Please observe the following
regulations to ensure everyone’s
visit is pleasant.
Please don’t touch the artifacts - Help
us preserve Utah’s heritage for future
generations.
Supervision - Children must be
supervised by an adult at all times.
No outside food or drink inside the
museum please.
