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SALT LAKE CITY — State officials unveiled a giant Utah seal laid in the tile floor of the Capitol on Monday to commemorate the building's 100th anniversary.
The Capitol Preservation Board spearheaded creation of the mosaic located in the Hall of Governors. Monday also marked 120 years since Utah became a state.
"We appreciate those who led the way 100 years ago and said we need a capitol building," said Gov. Gary Herbert, noting the decision wasn't without controversy.
Some opposed such a large building at a cost of $2.7 million for a state that had only 300,000 residents when construction began in 1912. The Capitol was dedicated Oct. 9, 1916.
Herbert praised leaders who had the courage to push the project through despite the critics. He said they had a vision for what Utah could become as a state.
"It probably is a priceless building. I'm not sure we could replicate this magnificent building today," he said.
The new state seal was made largely from terrazzo with some granite, marble, limestone, brass, bronze and aluminum pieces. Medallions of Utah's 29 counties surround the seal.
The great seal of the state of Utah was adopted during the first session of the Legislature on April 3, 1896. It features a bald eagle, beehive, sego lilies, two American flags, the word industry and six arrows representing the six Native American tribes that inhabited Utah before Mormon pioneers arrived in 1847.
Senate Minority Leader Gene Davis, D-Salt Lake City, recalled being bored on a field trip to the Capitol as an elementary school student 60 years ago. But he remembers a state representative telling the class one of them would have the opportunity to serve one day and to not shirk that duty.
"This is the people's house," he said. "This building, to be a part of, to be in it, to know that the institution of government is one of the most honorable things in serving our fellow men … it is a wonderful place to be."
