Utah’s early territorial years were full of unexpected decisions, shifting plans, and political experiments that shaped the state long before modern borders were drawn. One quiet community along I-15 played a far more central role than most people today realize, and its historic Statehouse still carries the traces of those early struggles, successes, and surprises.
Many Utahns don’t know that Salt Lake City hasn’t always been the state’s capitol city. Even more surprising to some is that the original capitol was Fillmore — a small town off of I-15 in central Utah.
Fillmore was settled in 1851. It was named after United States President Millard Fillmore and designated to become the capital of the Utah Territory. (Utah didn’t become a state until 1896.)
Shortly after the town was settled, residents began constructing a state house in Fillmore that would be used for Utah Legislative purposes, but after the first wing was completed, the rest of the project was abandoned.
“The first wing of what was to be a monumental structure was completed and used for legislative sessions in 1855 and 1856,” according to the Fillmore City website. “The building was never completed and the Capitol was moved to Salt Lake City. The Statehouse stands today as the oldest existing governmental building in the state.”
The Statehouse, now referred to as the Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum, is a popular tourist destination for those passing through or visiting Fillmore. It is a great place to learn about Utah’s earliest beginnings.
“Most people don’t realize the path that a US Territory takes to gain statehood and that it is often wrought with frustration, misunderstanding, and other challenges. We were also the first state park of Utah,” said Carl Aldrich, Territorial Statehouse State Park Manager.
Aldrich said that the museum currently focuses on interpreting the territorial history of Utah and Millard County from about 1850-1896.
“The building functioned as a jail, school, library, office, dance hall, and even a hiding place for the Deseret News during the Utah War,” the Fillmore City website states.
For two months, the Statehouse basement served as a hiding place for the Deseret News Press during the Utah War in 1858. Brigham Young was determined that ‘nothing would stop the presses’ and, in order to preserve the press, ordered Deseret News to hide in the basement until he felt it was safe. Brigham Young also used the Deseret News press to print emergency currency, official declarations, and various propaganda, all of which he wanted protected in the Statehouse basement during the War.
The city’s website goes on to explain that “The Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum offers genealogical and historical research resources … The top floor serves as a social hall for receptions and old time dances. The museum offers pioneer programs for groups, families and individuals.”
Natalie Ockey of Utah’s Adventure Family explains further. “There are three levels to the museum. The bottom level houses many pioneer artifacts and the entire hallway is filled with old photographs. There is an old wagon, printing press, and you can see one of the old jail cells.”
Ockey described their family’s visit to the museum as a great experience where they enjoyed all the activities available for families and kids of all ages.
“We had a fun time at the Territorial Statehouse and we learned a lot about our state’s history,” Ockey continued. “If you are ever in Fillmore, make sure to visit this state park.”
Although it was no longer the designated territorial capital city, Fillmore became an official city 16 years after its initial settlement.
“On January 12, 1867, Fillmore was officially incorporated by the State Legislature,” the website declares. “Since that day growth and progress have been continual. From fort, to town, to city, Fillmore has grown and developed into a fine city, providing its citizens with many services.”
As the state of Utah has grown in population, so has Fillmore, but the small-town feel of the city has been consistent. Fillmore city is now home to more than 2,600 residents.
“Fillmore is one of those places that has not lost its small town charm,” said Aldrich. “It is clean and well-maintained with many of the founding families still residing there after generations. Everyone is welcome here.”
Fillmore residents say that the small-town feel of the city is what keeps families around.
“Fillmore hasn’t changed a whole lot in the ten years I’ve been here,” said Kevin Orton, Fillmore City Administrator. “We are getting a little bit of growth now. More houses and condos have come in. We’ve also had a few businesses pop up as well, but most of them are right off the Interstate.”
Residents are happy with the growth, generally speaking, provided that growth doesn’t get out-of-control.
“A lot of people like the small town that Fillmore is,“ said Orton. “I think people would like some growth for opportunities and such for their kids to stay close by, but not the out-of-control growth that turns it into a big city.”
Orton hopes that, no matter the growth Fillmore experiences in coming years, it will always remain the safe, rural town it has always been.
“It’s a quiet place with a big sense of community,” Orton said. “You kind of know everybody here and because of that you feel safe. It’s a nice place to live.”
Feature Image: Utah Territorial Capitol in Fillmore 1855-57.
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