Utah Governors’ Correspondence
Research Guides
About the Records
The Utah State Archives holds correspondence from the Utah's governors, documenting their engagement with local and national issues. These records offer unique insights into historical events and citizen interactions with government. Correspondence covers recurring themes like communication with federal and local governments, business, education, environment, and social issues.
Territorial Governors
Brigham Young (1850 -1857)
Letterbooks, 1853-1857
Series 13844
This letterbook consists of 713 pages of outgoing correspondence covering the years 1853-1858. These letters were written by Brigham Young in his capacity as Utah's first territorial governor and as superintendent of Indian Affairs. The bulk of the correspondence relates to Indian Affairs—e.g. property and trade negotiations, reports of attacks, and the licensure and bonding of individuals to act as Indian agents.
- Indian Affairs
- US War Department
- US Treasury
- Territorial Government
- Pardons
Arthur Lloyd Thomas (1889 -1893)
Correspondence, 1874-1892
Series 245
This series is a miscellany of correspondence to Territorial Governor Arthur Lloyd Thomas and his personal staff. The correspondence was received from federal officials, governors, and the general public as well as from friends and family regarding the activities and duties of the governor. Also included are letters from 1915 and 1918, more than two decades after his tenure as territorial governor.
State Governors
Heber Manning Wells
(1896 -1905)
Correspondence, 1895-1904
Series 235
The major political and social issues faced by the Governor during his nine years in office are examined in this correspondence. Included are letters from private citizens requesting favors and expressing opinions; there is correspondence with members of the legislature, officers of executive departments, and managers of state institutions about topics related to their respective duties. Also included is correspondence with national officials and officials from other states. Correspondence may have attachments.
- Appointments
- Job Requests
- Financial Crisis
- Spanish American War
- Scofield Mine Explosion
John Christoper Cutler
(1905 -1909)
Correspondence (incoming), 1905-1908
Series 202
This series contains letters to Governor Cutler. This was the Governor's primary way of communication with the Utah citizenry and other principal officials of other states and nations. The correspondence is in the form of letters, reports, and notices. Correspondence includes that with federal and state agencies as well as individuals. Education is a prominent theme, but many other subjects are also included.
- Agriculture
- Education
Correspondence (outgoing), 1905-1908
Series 203
Governor Cutler's outgoing correspondence is organized into eighteen folders and five bound letterbooks; the first letter book has been unbound and constitutes seventeen of the folders. This correspondence consists of copies of letters sent from the governor's office.
- Infrastructure
- Environment
- Water
- Laws of Utah
- Military
- Uinta Reservation
- Vital Records
- Lewis and Clark Centennial Celebration
Page Last Updated February 26, 2021.
About this Guide
Written by Jim Kichas and originally published in February 2021. This research guide was created to facilitate student research during the 2020-2021 academic year National History Day celebration. In 2020-2021 students were asked to explore topics relating to the theme Communication in History: The Key to Understanding. This theme asks students to consider how people exchange information and interact with each other. Students have the chance to explore how the methods and modes of communication have changed over time and how they have shaped the present.