July 31 is an important day in Utah history, marked by a number of significant events and milestones. Here are five interesting facts about this date:

1. Utah became a state on July 31, 1896. This followed nearly 50 years of efforts by Mormon settlers to establish a state of their own. After years of political struggle and negotiation, Utah was finally admitted to the Union as the 45th state.

2. On July 31, 1971, a flash flood devastated the town of Logan, Utah. The flood killed five people and caused millions of dollars in damage. It was one of the worst natural disasters in Utah's history, and it led to significant changes in how the state manages flood risks.

3. In 1990, the city of Moab, Utah, officially changed its name to "Adventure Capital of the West" on July 31 in order to promote tourism. Moab is known for its spectacular natural scenery and wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, rock climbing, and rafting.

4. July 31, 1917, saw the opening of the first airport in Salt Lake City. The airport was initially a dirt runway, but it soon expanded and became an important hub for air travel in the region. Today, Salt Lake City International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States.

5. On July 31, 1847, a group of Mormon pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley for the first time. Led by Brigham Young, they had traveled for months to escape persecution and find a new home where they could practice their religion freely. Their arrival marked the beginning of a new chapter in Utah's history, as the pioneers worked to build a thriving community in the desert.