Americans celebrated 25/0 years since the United States declared its independence during the first weekend of July. Throughout this period, Utah has contributed to the nation's history through significant events in women's rights, the end of Prohibition, and the development of national landmarks.
In Orem, BYU emeritus professor Gove Allen worked on a project to replicate the original copies of the Declaration of Independence. Using a working replica of an 18th-century printing press, Allen applied ink to paper by hand to create what he believed were accurate reproductions of the Dunlap printing.
Utah also played a role in the history of women's suffrage. On February 14, 1870, Seraph Young became the first woman in the country to cast a vote. Although Congress removed the voting rights for Utah women in 1887, they eventually secured these rights in the state constitution, which Congress accepted when Utah achieved statehood in 1896.
In Salt Lake City, police officer Lester Wire developed an early version of the traffic light to manage the chaos of automobiles and horse-drawn carriages. His invention featured a wooden container on a pedestal at the intersection of 200 South and Main Street that utilized red and green lights.
The state's impact also extended to national policy and international tourism. In 1933, Utah was the final state to ratify the 21st Amendment, a move that helped end Prohibition. Historians noted that the timing of this ratification provided national attention to the state during the Great Depression.
Additionally, Zion National Park has transformed from a national monument established in 1909 into a global destination. The park has grown nearly ten times its original size and continues to expand its trails and visitor facilities.
Utah's landscape and culture continue to influence the world stage. Park City native Ashley Farquharson, a luge athlete, prepared to compete in the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics earlier this year, representing the athletic potential of the region known for the greatest snow on Earth.
