Utah admitted as the 45th U.S. state

Background. The Admissions Clause of the U.S. Constitution authorizes Congress to admit new states. Typically, Congress passes an enabling act allowing a territory to frame a proposed constitution. Utah's admission followed such an enabling act in 1894. The process required the ratification of a state constitution and the election of state officers, leading to formal admission by Congress and a presidential proclamation.

Admission Context. Disputes between the dominant Mormon community and Congress delayed Utah's statehood. The LDS Church discontinued plural marriage in 1890, and Utah agreed to outlaw polygamy as a condition for admission. This agreement facilitated its entry into the Union in 1896. Additionally, the admission restored women's suffrage, which had been repealed by an earlier act.

Capital and Government. Salt Lake City became the state capital upon admission in 1896. The City and County Building, constructed in 1894, served as Utah's first statehouse from 1896 until the current Utah State Capitol was dedicated on October 9, 1916. The building remains the seat of city government.