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150 years ago
The first and only full session of the Utah territorial legislature to be held in the state capital of Fillmore opened on Dec. 10, 1855, according to Church Chronology, compiled by Andrew Jenson.
The legislature was organized "by electing Heber C. Kimball president of the Council, and Jedediah M. Grant speaker of the house," according to the entry.
The 40-day legislative session was held in the newly completed south wing of the territorial statehouse, according to A Comprehensive History of the Church by B.H. Roberts. It was the only wing built and still stands today.
President Brigham Young, territorial governor, designated Fillmore as the state capital in 1852 because of its central location in the territory, the area's vast expanse for future growth and to encourage settlement in the area, according to Roberts.
However, his entry continues, "Fillmore did not long enjoy the distinction of being the capital of the territory."
The legislature in 1856 "had declared the seat of government removed to Salt Lake City," and after doing so, adjourned in Fillmore to hold the remainder of the session in Salt Lake City.
Still, Governor Alfred Cummings, who replaced Brigham Young, decided, with some appointed judges, that Fillmore was still the capital and the following legislature should meet there.
That they did, but again just long enough to gather and pass a resolution to adjourn and reassemble in Salt Lake City, according to Roberts.
