Edward H. Harriman Memorial

Amidst the grandeur of the Utah State Capitol, a silent sentinel stands, the Edward H. Harriman Memorial. It’s a tribute to a man whose legacy is intertwined with the very stones of this magnificent building. The Edward H. Harriman Memorial isn’t just a statue. It’s a key to unlocking a fascinating chapter in Utah’s history. Edward H. Harriman, the railroad tycoon, might seem an unlikely benefactor for the Utah State Capitol. Yet, a twist of fate, a tax law, and a trolley car system connected this powerful man to Utah’s political heart. In 1901, Utah passed an inheritance tax law. This seemingly mundane act had unforeseen consequences, reaching all the way to the Harriman estate in New York. When Harriman died in 1909, he left a considerable fortune, including significant stock in the Union Pacific Railroad. This railroad, incorporated under Utah law, became subject to the state’s inheritance tax. His widow, Mary W. Harriman, paid nearly $800,000 in taxes to the state. This unexpected windfall presented an opportunity. Governor William Spry proposed dedicating $750,000 of the Harriman tax revenue towards building a new state capitol. The legislature approved a $1 million bond, and the ambitious project began. The Edward H. Harriman Memorial stands as a reminder of this fortuitous turn of events. It symbolizes the unexpected ways history unfolds, connecting seemingly disparate threads into a compelling narrative. The next time you visit the Utah State Capitol, take a moment to appreciate the Edward H. Harriman Memorial. It’s not just a monument to a man but a testament to a unique chapter in Utah’s story. A story of railroads, taxes, and the unexpected birth of a capitol building.