Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, often called Salt Lake or SLC, is the capital and the largest city in the state of Utah. It is also the most important city in Salt Lake County, which has the most people living there in Utah. In 2020, about 200,000 people lived in the city itself, but the area around it, known as the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, has around 1.3 million people. This makes it the 46th biggest area in the United States.

The city was started in 1847 by a group of people led by Brigham Young. They were looking for a place where they could live without being treated badly. They called the place Great Salt Lake City at first because of the nearby Great Salt Lake, but later they dropped the word “Great.” Over time, many people came to live there, and the city grew because of jobs in mining, railroads, and other industries.

Today, Salt Lake City is famous for its snowy mountains, which are great for skiing, and for places to enjoy the outdoors. The city hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics and will host the 2034 Winter Olympics. It is also an important place for banking and has many schools, including the University of Utah. However, the city faces challenges like dry weather affecting its water and the possibility of earthquakes from the nearby Wasatch Fault.

History

Main article: History of Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City has been home to many people for thousands of years. The Shoshone, Weber Ute, and Paiute peoples lived in the Salt Lake Valley long before settlers arrived. When European explorers came, the land was part of the territory of the Northwestern Shoshone.

Salt Lake City was founded in 1847 when a group of settlers, known as the Latter-day Saints, arrived. They were looking for a safe place to live and practice their religion. The leader of the group, Brigham Young, is said to have declared, "This is the right place, drive on," when they found the valley. The settlers built a temple there, which took 40 years to complete and became a symbol of the city.

The city grew as more people came to live there, including those seeking gold and converts to the church. Over time, many different groups of people moved to Salt Lake City, adding to its rich history and culture.

Geography

Salt Lake City covers an area of 110.4 square miles and sits at an average height of 4,327 feet above sea level. The city's lowest point is near the Jordan River and the Great Salt Lake, while its highest point is Grandview Peak, reaching 9,410 feet.

The city lies in the northeast corner of the Salt Lake Valley. It is surrounded by the Great Salt Lake to the northwest, the Wasatch Range to the east, and the Oquirrh Mountains to the west. Narrow canyons, such as City Creek, Emigration, Millcreek, and Parley's, border the eastern city limits.

Air quality in Salt Lake City can be a concern because of the region's geography. During winter, strong temperature inversions can trap pollutants, affecting air quality. The Utah Division of Air Quality monitors this and sometimes issues alerts. The population of the area is growing, which may put more pressure on the region's air quality.

The Great Salt Lake is separated from the city by marshlands and mudflats. The Jordan River flows through the city and empties into the Great Salt Lake. Twin Peaks, the highest mountain visible from the city, stands at 11,330 feet. The Oquirrh Mountains reach up to 10,620 feet at Flat Top. The Traverse Mountains extend to nearly 6,000 feet, connecting the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains. These mountains are clearly visible from the city and have steep slopes formed by ancient earthquakes.

Salt Lake City rests on the bed of ancient Lake Bonneville, which existed at the end of the last ice age. Old shorelines of this ancient lake can still be seen as terraces on nearby mountains. Some of these ancient shorelines lie beneath the city, increasing the risk of earthquakes.

Salt Lake City has many neighborhoods with different characters. The eastern parts, such as the Avenues, 9th & 9th, Yalecrest, Federal Heights, and Sugar House, are generally more prosperous. These areas are popular with professionals, families, and students because they are close to downtown, the University of Utah, shops, and the Wasatch foothills. The western neighborhoods, such as Poplar Grove, Rose Park, and Glendale, tend to be more working-class and ethnically diverse, attracting immigrants and young people.

Sugar House, in southeastern Salt Lake City, is known for its small shops and has seen redevelopment efforts. The Avenues, northeast of downtown, is a historic neighborhood with many Victorian homes and is becoming known for new restaurants and shops.

Salt Lake City has a humid continental climate, with dry, hot summers and cold, wet winters. Rain usually comes from storms moving in from the Pacific Ocean between October and May. In summer, thunderstorms can occur due to monsoon moisture from the Gulf of California. Snow typically falls from November to April, with an average of 60 inches each year.

The city has many parks. This Is the Place Heritage Park is the largest, recreating pioneer life with historical buildings. Sugar House Park is the second largest, known for its hills and pond. Red Butte Garden and Arboretum, operated by the University of Utah, hosts concerts and exhibits. Other notable parks include Liberty Park, City Creek Park, and Jordan Park.

Demographics

Salt Lake City has a rich mix of people from different backgrounds. In the 2020 census, the most common ancestries were English, Mexican, German, Irish, and Scottish. The city's population includes people of many races and ethnicities, with a significant number identifying as Hispanic or Latino.

In 2010, the city was mostly white, but also had communities of African American, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, and people from other races. Many families in Salt Lake City speak languages other than English at home, including Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese. The city has diverse communities, including Hispanic, Latino, Bosnian American, Pacific Islander, and others, each contributing to its cultural richness.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City used to be called the "Crossroads of the West" because of its important railroads and industries like steel, mining, and oil. Today, the city's economy focuses more on services. The main areas that employ people are government, trade, transportation, utilities, and professional services. Many people work for local, state, and federal governments. Trade, transportation, and utilities are also big employers, especially at the Delta hub at the Salt Lake City International Airport. Health services and education are important too, with Intermountain Healthcare being a major employer. Other big employers include the University of Utah, Sinclair Oil Corporation, and the LDS Church.

Salt Lake City is home to two large companies, Zions Bancorporation and Questar Corporation. Many other businesses have their main offices in the city or nearby areas. Tourism has grown since the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, with many new hotels and restaurants built for the events. The convention industry has also expanded since the Salt Palace convention center was built. In 2024, it was announced that Salt Lake City will host the 2034 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Law and government

See also: List of mayors of Salt Lake City, Mayoral elections in Salt Lake City, and Joe Hill (activist) § Trial

The Salt Lake City and County Building has been the center of city government since 1894. It was also Utah’s first statehouse until the current Utah State Capitol opened in 1916.

Since 1979, Salt Lake City has used a system where voters choose a mayor and seven council members. They serve four-year terms, and each council member represents about 26,000 people. There are no limits on how many times someone can be re-elected.

The city’s politics are different from the rest of Utah. While Utah tends to support conservative and Republican ideas, Salt Lake City leans toward liberal and Democratic views. Since 1976, every mayor of the city has been a Democrat.

Salt Lake City has many groups that focus on different ideas and values. It also welcomes visitors from around the world. In 2013, the city opened a new Public Safety Building that uses energy very efficiently. The city’s fire department works from 14 different stations.

Education

Main articles: Education in Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County—Education

In 1847, a pioneer named Jane Dillworth began teaching children in her tent. By the late 1800s, people disagreed about how much religion should be part of school lessons. Today, many students still join special religious classes during the day.

Utah has many students, so schools receive less money per student than most states. Local businesses and groups help support schools. Recently, money was approved to rebuild many elementary schools and one middle school in the Salt Lake City School District. The district includes twenty-three elementary schools, five middle schools, three high schools (Highland, East, and West), and an alternative high school called Horizonte. There are also private schools, such as Judge Memorial Catholic High School and Rowland Hall-St. Mark's School.

The Salt Lake City Public Library has a main building downtown and five smaller branches nearby. The main library, designed by architect Moshe Safdie, opened in 2003.

Salt Lake City offers many colleges and universities, including the University of Utah, Westminster College, and Salt Lake Community College. The University of Utah is known for its research and medical programs. It was one of the first universities connected to the early Internet in 1969 and performed the first artificial heart transplant in 1982. The Institute of Human Anatomy in Salt Lake City studies human anatomy using donated bodies.

Culture

Museums and the arts

Salt Lake City has many museums. Near Temple Square is the Church History Museum, which shows items from the history of the LDS Church. West of Temple Square is the Clark Planetarium, with an IMAX theater, and Discovery Gateway, a children's museum. The University of Utah has the Utah Museum of Fine Arts and the Natural History Museum of Utah. Other museums include the Utah State Historical Society, the Pioneer Memorial Museum, the Fort Douglas Military Museum, the Social Hall Heritage Museum, and The Leonardo, a museum for art, science, and technology.

The city has classic movie theaters like the Tower Theatre and the Broadway Theater, which host film society members and shows. The Utah Film Center offers free film screenings every Tuesday night at the Salt Lake Public Library and monthly at the Rose Wagner Theater.

Performing arts

Salt Lake City has places for both professional and amateur theater. The city sees traveling Broadway and Off-Broadway shows at the historic Capitol Theatre. Local professional companies include the Pioneer Theatre Company, Salt Lake Acting Company, and Plan-B Theatre Company, which creates new plays by Utah playwrights.

The city is home to The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, founded in 1847. The choir's weekly program, Music and the Spoken Word, is the world's longest-running continuous network broadcast. Salt Lake City is also home to the Utah Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1940. The orchestra's original home was the Salt Lake Tabernacle, but since 1979 it has performed at Abravanel Hall. In 2002, Utah Symphony merged with Utah Opera, which presents four opera productions yearly in the Capitol Theatre. The area also has the Salt Lake Children's Choir and the Madeleine Choir School.

The University of Utah has dance departments, and professional dance companies include Ballet West, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, and Repertory Dance Theatre. The Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center hosts these companies.

Music

The city has a varied music scene with styles like hip hop, blues, rock and roll, and more. Popular groups from the area include Iceburn, Eagle Twin, the Almost, the Brobecks, Meg and Dia, Royal Bliss, Shedaisy, the Summer Obsession, Theater of Ice, the Used, and Chelsea Grin. Salt Lake has a metal music scene with bands like Gaza and Bird Eater. The Twilight Concert series happens in the summer, with free concerts in Pioneer Park.

Festivals

Salt Lake City has many festivals throughout the year. The Utah Pride Festival, started in 1983, is a three-day event in June with over 50,000 attendees. The Utah Arts Festival, since 1977, draws about 80,000 people and features artists and musicians.

The Dark Arts Festival celebrates goth and industrial cultures. The Urban Arts Festival includes art, music, and workshops. The Jewish Arts Festival shows Jewish culture through workshops, theater, food, film, art, and music.

The Sugar House neighborhood has a July 4 arts festival with local artists, music, food, and a fireworks show. Salt Lake City also hosts parts of the Sundance Film Festival, bringing many film fans and stars to the area.

Other festivals include FilmQuest, Salty Horror Con & Film, Damn These Heels, Tumbleweeds film festival for kids, and the Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival. The Living Traditions Festival celebrates traditional dance, music, crafts, and food from different cultures. Earth Jam in Liberty Park celebrates Earth Day with music and activities. The Live Green SLC! Festival shows sustainable products and ideas.

Craft Lake City DIY festival helps artists with workshops and galleries. The 9th and 9th Street Festival celebrates art, music, and crafts. The Catholic Nuns of Carmelite Monastery hold a fair with music, food, and a 5k run. The Sri Sri Ganesh Hindu Temple has a Ganesh Festival. India Fest includes food, dances, and drama. The Great Salt Lake City Yoga Festival teaches yoga and healthy living.

The local Pagan community has Pagan Pride Day with rituals and workshops. Steamfest is a festival for the steampunk subculture. Rose Park has a spring festival showing the community's diversity. The Greek Festival celebrates Utah's Greek heritage with music, dance, and food. There are also Italian-themed festivals, Ferragosto and Festa Italian, and other cultural festivals like the Peruvian Festival, Utah Brazilian Festival, Polynesian Cultural Festival, Nihon Matsuri Japanese Festival, and Buddhist Obon Japanese Festival.

Conventions

Salt Lake City hosts many conventions. Salt Lake Comic Con, started in 2013, draws over 100,000 people and has a second event called FanX. Crystal Mountain Pony Con is an annual My Little Pony convention. Salt Lake also has an International Tattoo Convention and Fantasy Con.

Events

Salt Lake City celebrates Pioneer Day on July 24 with parades, a rodeo, and fireworks. First Night on New Year's Eve at Rice-Eccles Stadium ends with fireworks. The Salt Lake City Marathon started in 2004. The city also has Friday Night Flicks, free movies in parks, and the Mayor's health program, Salt Lake City Gets Fit. Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics and will host again in 2034. The city has a monthly Gallery Stroll with art exhibits and performances.

Media

Salt Lake City has many different ways to get news and entertainment. Most big TV and radio stations are based in or near the city. The area is the 28th largest for radio and 33rd largest for TV in the United States.

You can read news in newspapers like The Salt Lake Tribune and the Deseret News. There are also many magazines and special-interest papers for different groups. Several TV stations serve the area, including ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, and others, and many radio stations can be heard across Utah and nearby states.

See also: Media in Salt Lake City and Salt Lake City in film

Main sights

Main article: Buildings and sites of Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City has many interesting places to visit, especially those connected to the LDS Church. One of the most popular spots is Temple Square, which includes beautiful gardens and visitor centers. Nearby, you can find the historic Salt Lake Tabernacle, home to a famous choir, and the large LDS Conference Center. The Family History Library is the world's biggest library for learning about family history.

The city also has modern buildings like the main library, which has a special roof view. The Utah State Capitol Building has marble floors and a grand dome. Other notable buildings include old mansions, cathedrals, and historic city halls.

Salt Lake City hosted the Winter Olympics, and you can still visit places like the Olympic Cauldron Park and the Utah Olympic Park, where you can watch skiing and even try a bobsled. There are also fun shopping areas like Trolley Square and The Gateway, which have shops, restaurants, and entertainment.

New developments like the City Creek Center offer shopping, dining, and beautiful outdoor spaces. Nearby attractions include zoos, parks, and historic sites such as where the first transcontinental railroad was completed.

Sports and recreation

Winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding, are very popular in the Wasatch Mountains east of Salt Lake City. There are eight ski resorts within 50 miles of the city. Alta, Brighton, Solitude, and Snowbird are located directly to the southeast in the Wasatch Mountains, while Park City has three more resorts. The popularity of these ski resorts grew after the 2002 Winter Olympics. In the summer, people enjoy hiking, camping, rock climbing, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities in the mountains. The many small reservoirs and rivers in the Wasatch Mountains are great for boating, fishing, and other water activities.

Salt Lake City has hosted some very important basketball games. The 1979 NCAA Division I Basketball Championship Game was held at the Special Events Center on the University of Utah campus, where Magic Johnson and Larry Bird first faced each other. Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals took place at the Delta Center, where Michael Jordan played his last game with the Chicago Bulls.

Salt Lake City is home to the Utah Jazz of the NBA, who moved from New Orleans in 1979 and play at the Delta Center. The team has had a lot of success, with players like Karl Malone and John Stockton leading the way. Real Salt Lake, a Major League Soccer team, was founded in 2004 and plays at America First Field. The Utah Mammoth began playing in the National Hockey League in the 2024–25 season, also at the Delta Center. The Utah Warriors were a professional rugby team that started in 2018 but later stopped playing.

The University of Utah and Brigham Young University have large followings in the city, and their college football and basketball teams are very popular. The Utah Utes men's basketball team has won the NCAA tournament and reached the final in other years. The city also has teams for other sports like rugby and roller derby.

Transportation

Main article: Transportation in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City has many roads to help people get around. It sits where two big highways cross: I-15 going north–south, and I-80 going east–west. There are also smaller roads like I-215 that loop around the city. The streets in the city are laid out in a grid, making it easy to find your way.

The city has many ways for people to travel without cars. Buses, light rail trains, and commuter trains all help people move around. The light rail system, called TRAX, has three lines that connect different parts of the city. There are also special buses that go to ski resorts in the winter.

Salt Lake City has an airport, Salt Lake City International Airport, where many airplanes fly in and out every day. It is a busy place with many flights to different cities.

The city is also friendly to people who ride bikes. There are special lanes for bikes, and the city has programs to help people use bikes more often. You can even rent a bike from a special program called GREENbike to explore the city.

Utilities

Salt Lake City gets most of its water from snow in the Wasatch Mountains, with some coming from underground sources. The main water provider is the Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities, which started in 1876 and is the oldest water provider in the western United States.

The main electricity provider for Salt Lake City and all of Utah is Rocky Mountain Power. Natural gas is supplied by Dominion Energy.

Sister cities

Salt Lake City has several sister cities around the world. These include Chernivtsi in Ukraine, Izhevsk in Russia, Keelung in Taiwan, Matsumoto in Japan, Quezon City in the Philippines, Trujillo in Peru, and Turin in Italy. These partnerships help the cities learn from each other and work together on projects.