No matter where you travel in Utah, you’ll find some reference to a beehive. There are dozens of businesses, parks, and attractions that incorporate the word beehive into their name or decor around the state. While many Utahns are aware that our great state is nicknamed the Beehive State, many individuals find themselves asking, “Why is Utah called the Beehive State?” Well, the answer involves more than just bees.

It is easy to assume that Utah is called the Beehive State due to its honey production. Utah is a leading producer of honey with thousands of pounds produced in the state every single year. In fact, the Honey Bee is even the state’s official insect.
Brad Smith/Flickr
However, the real reason Utah is called the Beehive State is a little more complicated. The beehive is a symbol used by several religions and has particular roots in the state’s dominant religion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
m01229/Flickr
After the pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley in the late 1840s, Brigham Young, president of the church at the time, wanted to name the new territory "Deseret." This word means honeybee in The Book of Mormon, a scripture of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Wikimedia Commons

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Bees also symbolize hard work, industry, and community. They must work together to thrive and that’s exactly what the pioneers had to do when entering the Salt Lake Valley in the 1800s.
Charles Roscoe Savage (1832–1909)/Wikimedia Commons
However, when Utah became an official state in 1896, congress favored the name Utah after the Ute Tribe.
Despite being called Utah, the beehive continued to play an important part of the state and was placed on the state flag. It is the official emblem of the state and in 1959, the beehive became the official symbol of Utah.
Aqua Mechanical/Flickr
In fact, when visiting the Utah State Capitol Building, you’ll see two large beehive sculptures located near the Grand Staircase on the south side of the building.
Undefined/Corbis Documentary Via Getty Images
Now, the next time you see this important symbol, you’ll remember our Utah history and the importance of industry, community, and hard work — the qualities that make our great state flourish.
Ken Lund/Flickr
Pictured above is The Beehive House in Salt Lake City. This was one of the official residences of Brigham Young.

Do you want to learn more about Utah’s history? Check out these historic photos that show us what the Beehive State was like in the early 1900s.

Utah is a fabulous place to explore. In fact, it is a top vacation getaway no matter the season. If you do plan a visit, make sure you check out one of the cozy vacation rentals or fabulous local hotels around the state.

For even more Utah fun, check out the following Only In Your State video.

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Why Is Utah Called The Beehive State?

Courtnie Erickson | February 26, 2024

Is Utah known for honey?

Many people wonder why Utah is called the Beehive State. Is it because we have a lot of bees? Well, as you know from the article above, it is much more complicated and the name actually comes from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, this does not mean that Utah is not familiar with honey and honey production. Utah is a leader in the country for its honey production and four types of honey are produced in our great state — sunflower honey, alfalfa honey, wildflower honey, and clover honey.

What are some historical sites in Utah I should check out?

If you are like me, there’s something fascinating about visiting a historical site. It may be the incredible stories they tell or even the glimpse into years gone by that they provide. Here in the Beehive State, there are all types of historical sites to visit — some much more popular than others. If you want a day full of history and excitement, consider visiting one of the following historical sites in the state:

 

What are some more fun facts about Utah?

Yes, Utah may be known for its beehives, but our state offers so much more. It doesn’t matter whether you have lived in our great state your entire life or are new to here, there are some pretty cool things about Utah. Some fun facts about Utah that may just help your next trivia night include:

  • Utah’s state cooking pot is the Dutch oven.
  • Lagoon is the oldest operating amusement park in America.
  • The man who invented the Frisbee, Walter Frederick Morrison, is from Utah.
  • Utah is the leading manufacturer of rubber chickens.
  • Utah is known as being home to the most charitable people in America.

 

If you want to learn even more about the Beehive State, check out our collection of articles featuring fun facts about Utah.

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