1. In 1847, the first group of Mormon pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley, establishing the first settlement in what would become the state of Utah. This event is commemorated annually as Pioneer Day on July 24th, but November 4th marks the beginning of a new era for the state.

2. In 1895, Utah became the 45th state to join the Union. This followed a long struggle for statehood that began soon after the arrival of the pioneers. The state's unique history and culture were an important factor in the decision to grant it statehood.

3. One of Utah's most famous landmarks, the Bonneville Salt Flats, was used to set land speed records in the 20th century. On November 4, 1965, Craig Breedlove became the first person to exceed 600 miles per hour in a land vehicle, driving his jet-powered car, the Spirit of America.

4. On November 4, 2008, Barack Obama became the first African American to be elected president of the United States. Utah played a small but significant role in this election, as the state's electoral votes ultimately went to Republican nominee John McCain.

5. November 4, 1974 marks the date of one of the deadliest hotel fires in U.S. history, which occurred at the Hilton Inn in Salt Lake City. The fire claimed the lives of eleven people and injured more than a hundred others. The tragedy led to significant changes in hotel safety regulations across the country.