SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) – With the cherry blossoms in full swing at the Utah State Capitol, the grounds remain busy. But according to ABC4’s Craig Wirth, while admiring the blossoms, take a moment to admire the historic building behind it.
The first cherry trees at the Utah State Capitol bloomed over ninety springs ago, but have faded into the past as most of the trees you see today are from the third crop of cherry trees planted after the main building was renovated fifteen years ago.
The History of the Utah State Capitol
Lawmakers and visitors have used the Utah State Capitol building for legislative sessions for more than 100 years.
The state broke ground in December 1912 on land given to them by the city.
It was quite a job – there was a steam shovel with all its noisy gears, pulleys and chains – and with the governor, mayor and architect there for support.
In 1914, the then governor called everyone together again to lay the cornerstone, which was reportedly very well attended. You couldn’t miss it.
According to Emmy Lou Manwill, the building’s location was very intentional, as it could be seen from several locations.
“They liked that it sat prominently on a hill overlooking Utah’s largest city, and that it could kind of watch over the state,” Manwill said. “I think it was more than people could have imagined. The amount of intricate detail in this building is truly incredible.”
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