1. The University of Utah was founded on December 5, 1850, by a group of Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young. Originally called the University of Deseret, it was the first institution of higher education in Utah and one of the first west of the Mississippi River.

2. On December 5, 1933, Utah ratifies the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, which repealed the 18th Amendment and ended Prohibition. Utah was the 36th state to do so, making the amendment legal throughout the United States.

3. The iconic Christmas lighting display at Temple Square in Salt Lake City was first lit on December 5, 1965. Over a million lights illuminate the trees and buildings, making it one of the most beautiful holiday attractions in the world.

4. December 5, 2016, was a significant day in Utah history as it was the day when President Barack Obama designated Bears Ears National Monument. Covering 1.35 million acres of red rock canyons and mesas in southeastern Utah, the monument is home to hundreds of archaeological sites, unique rock formations, and rich cultural history.

5. On December 5, 2001, the 2002 Winter Olympics torch relay began its journey throughout the state of Utah, lasting 64 days as it traveled through 46 states. The torch was carried by thousands of participants before arriving at the opening ceremony in Salt Lake City on February 8, 2002.