Governor_of_Utah_Territory Brigham_Young

brigham young photographed charles roscoe savage, 1855

as colonizer , founder of salt lake city, young appointed territory s first governor , superintendent of american indian affairs president millard fillmore on february 3, 1851. during time prophet, young directed establishment of settlements throughout present-day utah, idaho, arizona, nevada, california , parts of southern colorado , northern mexico. under direction, mormons built roads , bridges, forts, irrigation projects; established public welfare; organized militia; issued extermination order against timpanogos , after series of wars made peace native americans. young 1 of first subscribe union pacific stock, construction of first transcontinental railroad. young organized first legislature , established fillmore territory s first capital.

young organized board of regents establish university in salt lake valley. established on february 28, 1850, university of deseret; name changed university of utah.

in 1851, young , several federal officials, including territorial secretary broughton harris, became unable work cooperatively. harris , others departed utah without replacements being named, , these individuals later became known runaway officials of 1851.

in 1852, young led efforts reform slavery in utah, based on personal beliefs on slavery.

in 1856, young organized efficient mail service. in 1858, following events of utah war, stepped down successor alfred cumming.