Early Non-Native Exploration of Utah
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

This course explores the earliest known non-Native explorers of the territory that would later become the state of Utah. Beginning with the early Spanish colonies and their efforts to expand trade networks and connect with other Spanish settlements in California, the course examines the impact of the fur trade on exploration of the region and the growing interest in westward expansion. It also covers early military mapping/surveys and concludes with a brief examination of key pioneer explorers. Members will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning activities, and the course will feature a guest expert in historic firearms and a fur trade-era reenactor.