Overview | Prehistory | American Indians | Explorers and Trappers | Mormon Settlement
Territorial Days | Crossroads of the West | Mines and Minorities | Transition| Statehood
Adjustment | War and Depression | Utah Today | Bibliography | Glossary

The immigration and settlement of many non-Mormons began with the building of the transcontinental railroad and the development of mining. Jews were among the first non-Mormons to move into Utah. Catholics, Episcopalians, Congregationalists, Presbyterians, and others came in the 1860s and 1870s to establish schools, hospitals, and churches. They came to minister to the large number of non-Mormons who had found employment with the railroad or in the mines. These ethnic and religious groups made great contributions to Utah society.

The early settlers had explored Utah's mineral potential. Brigham Young discouraged exploitation of precious metals, favoring agriculture and light industry instead. The Mormons did quarry stone for building. Clay, lime, coal, coke, iron, and lead were also needed by the settlers. Utah's precious metal mining era dates from 1863. Ordered to Utah in 1862 to protect communication and transportation lines, Colonel Patrick Edward Connor, founder of Camp (later Fort) Douglas, encouraged his men to prospect. Many men staked claims, and by the 1870s ore was being processed. Mines at Stockton, Ophir, Mercur, Park City, Frisco, Tintic, and Silver Reef were opened quickly after 1870. Mining brought new wealth to Utah, and those connected with the mines were mostly non-Mormons. These men and women became influential in the territory's business, politics, and social life.