Tag Archive: Massasoit

Chief Massasoit Statue – Utah State Capitol – Salt Lake City

Chief Massasoit Statue – Utah State Capitol – Salt Lake City

Chief Massasoit Statue - Utah State Capitol - Salt Lake City

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Chief Massasoit, who lived from 1590-1661, is known to history as the Wampanoag Indian chief who greeted the first colonists at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. In March 1621, several months after the landing of the Mayflower at Plymouth, Massasoit journeyed to visit the colonists, hoping to establish trade and friendly relations with the newcomers. His focus on keeping the peace is something he remained true to throughout his life. It was only after his death, and the arrival of land hungry colonists that tensions culminated in conflict known as King Philips War (1675), led by his son.

The statue of Massasoit, created by Utah artist Cyrus E. Dallin, was placed at the Utah Capitol in 1922. Several replicas of the statue stand throughout the United States, including one in Plymouth where it commemorates the first Thanksgiving, and arrival of the pilgrims.

Utah Government – Utah State Capitol Building

Utah State Capitol in Reflecting Fountain at Sunset – Salt Lake City

Utah State Capitol in Reflecting Fountain at Sunset – Salt Lake City

Utah State Capitol in Reflecting Fountain at Sunset - Salt Lake City

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The Utah State Capitol Building was constructed over 4 years, between 1912-1916. designed by Richard K.A. Kletting, it uses the Neoclassical revival, Corinthian architectural style.

The building houses two of three branches of state government. The Utah House and Senate, and the executive branch. The building houses the offices of the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and the state auditor.

Statues on the grounds of the capitol include those for Daniel C. Jackling, Edward Harriman, Thomas L. Kane, Martha Hughes Cannon, Marriner S. Eccles, and one to Chief Massasoit as a tribute to the Wampanogas chief who greeted the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts.

Utah’s first capitol building, known today as the Utah Territorial Statehouse, is located in Fillmore.

The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

As a side note, the interior of the Utah State capitol shares a lot of similarities with the Kentucky state capitol, built around the same time, even though they utilize different architectural styles.

Utah Government – Utah State Capitol Building