Hello everyone, today I bring you the 3rd to the last WW2 effects, Utah. Despite the fact, I have always lived in a state that borders Utah, and also share the same religion 64% of the population practices (Mormon), I've only ever been to the state twice. It's a beautiful state, and has a very unique history different from that of any of the other 50 states. I hope you learn something new about Utah, and of course, enjoy! Utah Pre-WW2 Utah was first discovered by Spanish explorers in 1540, and it wouldn't be until the 1830's that Utah would see an "alien" presence again. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, (or Mormons as they are more popularly known), traveled to the territory in 1847 under the direction of then Prophet, Brigham Young. The Mormons moved to Utah to escape the persecution and violence they had suffered in the U.S, and intended to establish "Zion", or the kingdom of heaven. For quite some time, the Mormon settlers, along with their Navajo neighbors, were the only inhabitants of the area. However, with Westward expansion and the Gold Rush in full swing, Utah gained national attention, but not the positive kind. At that particular time, the members of the Mormon church were practicing plural-marriage, or polygamy, as they were supposedly instructed to do so by God, who told Brigham Young. The Mormons became one of the most hated religions in the country, and were seen as "devil worshiping pagans". As a result of the negative treatment, the Mormon inhabitants were not overly fond of settlers or immigrants wishing to stay in the state if they did not approve of their religious beliefs. A period of tension and hatred on both sides continued for decades, and it wouldn't be until 1890, when polygamy was abolished, that Utah became a state. The tension and past misunderstandings were largely forgotten, and the Mormon settlers proved their loyalty to the U.S, and it's democratic ideals time and time again. Utah had proven to also be a rather profitable state, with many natural resources, and a wealth of farming and ranch land. Utah is full of copper, Gold, Silver, lead, and zinc, all very valuable minerals. The amount of land and opportunities available made Utah an attractive state to entrepreneurs and adventure seekers alike. Utah's economy in the 1910's and 20's was booming, and rivaled the likes of California and Arizona in their economic output. In the 30's however, the Great Depression came, and devastated the state. The mining industry came to a grinding halt, the rural and agricultural sector's losses outweighed it's gains, and the lack of an industrial capability hindered the state further. The state's citizens came together in those dark times, providing food, water, and sometimes shelter to their downtrodden neighbors, even if they did not share the same beliefs and values. Mormons, Catholics, protestants, and Jews came together to form relief centers and food drives in Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, St.George, and Sandy. The unity of the state surpassed that of any other during the Great Depression. Towards the end of the 30's, the U.S Government looking for places to build new military installations and government facilities, looked to Utah. As a result of federal funding, new bridges, paved roads, and improved public facilities were built. Military installations were built, or improved upon, while Utahans were finding work and improving their communities at the same time. Fort Douglas, a Civil War era fort, was remodeled, and built to be a recruit training center, The Ogden Arsenal was expanded and modernized, and the 5th largest USAAFB at the time, Hill field was built. Utah was quickly preparing for war, and not even Utahans themselves could have expected their inspiring and impressive response. Utah WW2 With WW2 beginning for the U.S in December of 1941, the new year, 1942, opened up with 40,000 of 550,000 Utahans joining the armed forces. The enthusiastic and large response of Utah's men expanded to the state's women and older population. Thousands took part in victory gardens, while others volunteered too take city and community positions previously filled by men. Utah would soon be overrun by servicemen from across the country, by 1945, some 600,000 servicemen had trained in the state. Utah was home to primarily USAAF troops, along with the Army. Army recruits trained at Camp Williams and Fort Douglas, while USAAF members trained at Hill AFB, Kearns field, and Wendover AFB. At Hill AFB, Battle worn, and obsolete aircraft were stored and repaired, including, A-26's, B-17's, B-24's, B-25's, B-26's, B-29's, P-40's, P-38's P-47's, P-51's, P-61's and many other types. B-17 and B-24 crews trained at Wendover, along with the 509th Composit Group, the B-29 group that dropped the Atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. At the Ogden Arsenal, everything from bazooka's to B-17's were made, and then shipped to California or Texas to travel to the various fronts. Utah also housed POW's and Japanese American Internees at Camp Williams and Fort Douglass, ironically, many of the internees, and even POW's would return to live in Utah after the war While Utah was doing it's part in the war effort, the amount of young men in a state that takes morality and cleanliness seriously, did not go over well. With 85% of Utah being Mormon at the time, the introduction of new non-lds young men brought immorality, alcohol, and profanity the state had never previously seen, this caused a rift between servicemen and the state's inhabitants. It got so bad, some restaurants and hotels refused to serve those in the military, while servicemen vandalized church property and harassed Mormons during their Sunday services. Eventually though the tensions subsided, and life continued on as it had before. From 1940 to 1946, the Mormon church released a statement saying that the war is an opportunity to spread the knowledge of the church, while providing welfare and service to those affected by the conflict. The 6 year period has been the only time in the Mormon churches history that young men aged 19 to 25 were not required to serve a mission, as almost all men across the world were serving their respective nations, including Germany and Italy. With the war ending in September of 1945, it is estimated that 63,000 Utahans served in the military during the war, and 1,450 gave their lives in defense of the nation. Utah Post WW2 During the war, Utah had changed drastically. The state was no longer in an economic hole, as the war brought newfound prosperity to the state, and the population grew size, and diversity as a result. The Military and government would, and still does maintain a large presence in the state, building missile silos, chemical plants, bio warfare sites, and Nuclear testing facilities. Utah's population is still predominantly Mormon with 64% of the population reporting to be a part of the church, but Utah has attracted other religions and peoples as well, with it's relatively low living cost's and family friendly atmosphere. The state had also moved to the future with new tech and computer companies building facilities in the state, including Intel and IBM. The state is also a outdoor lovers paradise, with national parks such as Zion national park, and arches, and a plethora of ski resorts and world class hiking trails. Utah will continue to be a prosperous and successful state for decades to come. Utah - Wikipedia World War II in Utah Brigham Young, the former governor and Prophet of the Mormon church Mormon settlers making the long and perilous journey from Nauvoo Illinois to Utah Anti-Mormon imagery typical of the 1870's and 1880's Downtown Salt Lake in 1940 Aerial view of Hill AFB in 1945 Women working at the Ogden arsenal B-24 "Utah Man" Flown by Walter Stewart, a Utah native... The Saints and Soldiers series, made by Utah natives, with a focus on Mormon soldiers in the conflict Remains of the Athena Missile Silo in Utah Salt Lake City today Monument Valley Utah Zion National Park Arches National Park
It is a beautiful place indeed! I usually like trees in nature, but Utah's desert is the only desert I approve of, excluding high deserts.
Been skiing in Park City, Utah for 18 of the last 21 years since I started skiing. Going back soon, maybe in late December. Can't wait! Great looking pix there, might have to plan a motorbike ride through there when there's no sneaux on the ground. Also much of the grounds of the former Fort Douglas was given to Utah State University. Also during the 2002 Winter Olympics, portions of the Olympic Village was built on the Fort Douglas area as well. Also the movie "The Devil's Brigade" was filmed in Utah. Camp Williams stood in for Ft. William Henry Harrison, Montana where the real FSSF trained. The ski training scene was filmed at Solitude Ski Resort with ski patrol members and their families as skiing extras. The final assault on the German mountain stronghold was filmed on Wasatch Mountain. The soldier-extras used in the movie were furnished by the Utah National Guard. In one of the scenes during the battle, traffic moving on I-15 can be seen in the background. Good, entertaining movie although highly inaccurate.
Utah is indeed a Skiers paradise, along with any other outdoor activity! I didn't know Devils Brigade was filmed in Utah, I thought it was Northern California........Great Info A-58!!
