City of Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is the state capital and largest city in Utah. Salt Lake City is bounded on three sides by mountain ranges and on the northwest by the Great Salt Lake. The Jordan River flows just to the west of the downtown district. The name of the city is often shortened to Salt Lake, or its initials, S.L.C. It was originally known as Great Salt Lake City. Annual average temperature is around 51.8� F and ranges from 36.4� F during January to 51.8� F in July. Salt Lake City has a population of 178,858 as of 2006. Salt Lake City proper is relatively small, only 282.5 sq km (109.1 sq mi) in land area.


A group of Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young settled in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847, laying out a town they called Great Salt Lake City. In ancient times Utah was inhabited by various Native American groups. The ancient Pueblo People, also known as the Anasazi, built large communities in southern Utah from roughly the year 1 to 1300 AD. The Ute Tribe, from which the state takes its name, and the Navajo Indians arrived later in this region. Salt Lake City was founded on July 24, 1847, by a group of Mormon pioneers. (Mormons are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.) The pioneers, led by Brigham Young, were the first non-Indians to settle permanently in the Salt Lake Valley. Salt Lake City incorporated in 1851 and was designated the capital when Utah became a state in 1896.


Salt Lake City is renowned ski resorts, scenic national parks and recreational areas. Salt Lake is a well-known ski destination, having hosted the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Skiers continue to flock here to enjoy world-class facilities and the "greatest snow on earth." Historic Mormon Temple Square is a popular tourist attraction and the city also offers lively entertainment and nightlife. Top points of interest include Historic Temple Square, skiing and snowboarding at Alta Resort, Great Salt Lake, Genealogy/Family History Center, Utah Jazz Basketball, Jordan River OHV Park and Modelport,Miller MotorSports Park and Kennecott Copper Mine.