Take a step back in time and experience Utah’s oldest existing governmental building, the Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum! Relive pioneer life through exhibits and artifacts, paintings and portraits, and special events.
While you’re here, be sure to tour the 1867 rock schoolhouse, three pioneer log cabins, and the All-American Rose Society garden. Stop by the museum gift shop to pick up a souvenir from your trip, and finish off the day with a relaxing picnic in the grassy, shaded area.
The History of the Territorial Statehouse
Fillmore was founded in 1851 as Utah’s first capital. Named after President Millard Fillmore to gain favor for early statehood, Fillmore resides at the center of the historic Territory of Utah. Prior to the formation of the Territory of Utah, Brigham Young and other members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints applied for Statehood under the state of Deseret, which would have stretched from San Bernardino, California, to much of the Great Basin into Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. Brigham Young, the first governor of the territory, ordered the construction of the Statehouse to begin in 1852 at the center of this empire.
Statehouse Construction
The original building plans called for three levels and four wings, connected by a Moorish dome at the center. Due to a lack of funding, however, only the existing south wing was built — just enough and barely in time for the legislature to meet. The Territorial Legislature met there in December of 1855 and was the only full session held in the Statehouse. The seat of government returned to Salt Lake in 1858, long before Utah’s statehood was official in 1896.
Statehouse Functions
In addition to housing the Territorial Legislature for a short time, the Statehouse served a variety of other purposes after 1858, such as:
- Civic center
- Religious meetinghouse
- School
- Theater
- Jail
By the turn of the century, the building had fallen into disrepair and was threatened with demolition. But in the mid-1920s, the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers (DUP) proposed the Statehouse be restored as a museum. Under the direction of the State of Utah, the museum opened in 1930 and was placed in the custodial care of the DUP. The Statehouse and grounds became a state park in 1957, also becoming Utah’s first state park. It was even the site of Governor Huntsman’s first State of the State address in 2005.
The Territorial Statehouse Today
Today, the Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum offers a museum filled with artifacts of Utah’s early governance, portraits of the settlers, and exhibits telling the story of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You’ll also find the following on the museum premises:
- A store
- A multi-purpose building
- Three restored pioneer cabins
- An 1867 stone schoolhouse
- An All-American Rose Society Garden
- Picnic areas
Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year. Dates and times are subject to change, so check the museum’s website or call for more information.
How to Get There
GPS COORDINATES:
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38.967679° N, 112.325138° W |
The Territorial Statehouse is located at 50 West Capitol Avenue in the town of Fillmore — exit 167 off Interstate 15.
What to expect & how to prepare
The Territorial Statehouse is an adventure you can take at your own pace. Staff members are always willing to answer your questions along the way. Visiting this site doesn’t require much preparation, but here are a few things to know:
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Hours of operation: The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Groups should call ahead. |
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Cost: As fees are subject to change, please visit the museum website for the most up-to-date information. You can get in without the fee if you have a State Park pass. |
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Camping and lodging: Camping and lodging facilities are located nearby. You can also find lodging in Fillmore or Delta and other camping areas around Fishlake National Forest. |
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Amenities: On-site parking, public restrooms, and a small gift shop with books, pioneer crafts and toys, and other local goods. |
BEST TIMES TO VISIT
Visitors can enjoy the Territorial Statehouse any time of the year.
