Utah became the 45th state on January 4, 1896. The Spanish first visited the area in 1776 and American fur traders followed shortly afterward. In 1847 the Mormons first arrived and started the first permanent settlement of the region. Virtually barren desert and salt plains on arrival, the Mormons cultivated and irrigated the region, making it into a fruitful and productive region. By 1849 the State of Deseret was formed and application was made to join the U.S. This was not granted until 1896 due to controversy over the Mormon Church's doctrine of polygamy (taking many wives) which was finally abandoned in 1890. Utah is a diverse state, with attractions such as Temple Square, the Mormon Church headquarters, the great Salt Lake, numerous winter sports areas, Bryce Canyon, Natural Bridges and Monument Valley. @
