Millard and Brigham
Long before Mitt Romney became famous for being a Mormon Governor of a state, on September 28, 1850 (161 years ago today) Millard Fillmore appointed Brigham Young as the first governor of the Utah Territory in 1850. In gratitude for creating the Utah Territory in 1850 and appointing Brigham Young as governor, Young named the territorial capital "Fillmore" and the surrounding county "Millard".
Young was ordained President of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in December of 1847, more than two and a half years after the death of the church's founder, Joseph Smith. While in jail awaiting trial for alleged treason charges, Smith was killed by an armed mob in 1844.
As colonizer and founder of Salt Lake City, Young was appointed the territory's first governor and superintendent of American Indian affairs by President Fillmore. During his time as governor, Young directed the establishment of settlements throughout Utah, Idaho, Arizona, Nevada, and parts of southern Colorado and northern Mexico. Under his direction the pioneers built roads and bridges, forts, irrigation projects, and established public welfare, organized a militia, and made treaties with the Native Americans. Young organized the first legislature and established Fillmore as the territory's first capital. In 1856 he organized an efficient mail service. In 1858 he stepped down to his successor Alfred Cumming.
From 1851 to 1856, Fillmore was the capital of Utah Territory. The original Utah Territorial Statehouse still stands.Great Salt Lake City replaced Fillmore as the territorial capital in 1858, and the name was subsequently abbreviated to Salt Lake City.
Young was ordained President of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in December of 1847, more than two and a half years after the death of the church's founder, Joseph Smith. While in jail awaiting trial for alleged treason charges, Smith was killed by an armed mob in 1844.
As colonizer and founder of Salt Lake City, Young was appointed the territory's first governor and superintendent of American Indian affairs by President Fillmore. During his time as governor, Young directed the establishment of settlements throughout Utah, Idaho, Arizona, Nevada, and parts of southern Colorado and northern Mexico. Under his direction the pioneers built roads and bridges, forts, irrigation projects, and established public welfare, organized a militia, and made treaties with the Native Americans. Young organized the first legislature and established Fillmore as the territory's first capital. In 1856 he organized an efficient mail service. In 1858 he stepped down to his successor Alfred Cumming.
From 1851 to 1856, Fillmore was the capital of Utah Territory. The original Utah Territorial Statehouse still stands.Great Salt Lake City replaced Fillmore as the territorial capital in 1858, and the name was subsequently abbreviated to Salt Lake City.