Statehood The 45th state Jan. 4, 1896 Captial Salt Lake City State Motto Industry Origin of State Name The name is derived from a Native American word meaning "those who dwell high up" or "mountaintop dwellers." State Nickname The Beehive State The name connotes hard work and industry among the state's residents. Interesting Facts Utah leads the nation in the proportion of its population that has completed high school. The Sundance Film Festival is an internationally recognized celebration of independent motion pictures, held annually at the Sundance Ski Resort and nearby cities. Pioneer Day, July 24, commemorates the first permanent settlement of Utah on July 24, 1847, by Brigham Young and his Mormon pioneers.