Capitol of Utah in Salt Lake City, from the General Government and State Capitol Buildings series (N14) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

This small chromolithograph of the Capitol of Utah in Salt Lake City was created by Allen & Ginter for their series of cigarette cards showing governmental buildings across the United States. Produced in the late 19th century, this card reflects the growing national interest in state identity and civic pride, even as the project of Reconstruction was failing. Utah, with its unique history tied to the Mormon community, was a territory seeking statehood at the time. Note the way the image emphasizes the Capitol's architecture, presenting it as a solid, respectable institution, a symbol of governance, and the American flag flying high above the building. Such images, distributed through consumer products, played a role in shaping public perceptions of different states and territories. To understand this image better, we can look into the history of Utah's statehood, the role of advertising in shaping national identity, and the visual rhetoric used to convey authority and stability. By exploring these contexts, we can appreciate how this small card reflects the complex social and political landscape of its time.