Governor of Utah Territory
As colonizer and founder of Salt Lake City, Young was appointed the territory's first governor and superintendent of American Indian affairs by President Millard Fillmore. During his time as governor, Young directed the establishment of settlements throughout Utah, Idaho, Arizona, Nevada, and parts of southern Colorado and northern Mexico. Under his direction the pioneers built roads and bridges, forts, irrigation projects, and established public welfare, organized a militia, and pacified the Native Americans. Young organized the first legislature and established Fillmore as the territory's first capital.
Young organized a Board of Regents to establish a university in the Salt Lake Valley. The university was established on February 28, 1850, as the University of Deseret, the precursor to the University of Utah.
In 1856 he organized an efficient mail service. In 1858 he stepped down to his successor Alfred Cumming.
Read more about this topic: Brigham Young
Famous quotes containing the words governor of, governor and/or territory:
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“Size is not grandeur, and territory does not make a nation.”
—Thomas Henry Huxley (1825–95)