Heber M. Wells and the beginnings of Utah's Statehood

At about mid-day January 4, 1896, Salt Lake City erupted into enthusiastic celebration, triggered by a shotgun fired in front of the Western Union Telegraph Office. At the sound of the shot, sirens shrieked, whistles blew, bells rang and people went wild with excitement, Bands played patriotic music and everyone who had Em- American flag unfurled it.