1. Utah Celebrates National Fossil Day

Every year on February 7, Utah celebrates National Fossil Day. The official day was established by the National Park Service and the American Geological Institute to raise awareness of fossils and their role in natural history. Utah is known for its many important fossil discoveries, including those of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures.

2. Utah Hosts the First Winter Olympics in the United States in 2002

On February 7, 2002, the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics was held in Salt Lake City, Utah. This marked the first time the Winter Olympics had been held in the United States since 1980. The event was a huge success and brought in millions of visitors to the state.

3. Utah Celebrates Fastnacht Day

Fastnacht Day is celebrated on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which falls on February 7 in some years. This day is also known as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, and is celebrated by eating doughnuts, or Fastnachts, in Utah and other parts of the world.

4. Utah’s First Newspaper is Printed

On February 7, 1850, the first issue of the Deseret News was printed in Salt Lake City. The newspaper was founded by Brigham Young, the second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and became one of the most important news sources in the region.

5. Utah’s First Women’s Suffrage Bill is Passed

On February 7, 1870, Utah passed its first women’s suffrage bill, allowing women the right to vote in territorial elections. This was one of the earliest victories for women’s suffrage in the United States, and helped pave the way for the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote nationwide in 1920.