1. Utah State University was founded on October 12, 1888: October 12, 1888 marked the founding of Utah State University, located in Logan, Utah. The land-grant university, initially called the Agricultural College of Utah, was established by the Morrill Land-Grant Acts and now offers over 200 majors in fields ranging from engineering to education.

2. The Utah War began on October 12, 1857: The Utah War, a conflict between the United States government and Mormons in Utah Territory, began on October 12, 1857 when President James Buchanan dispatched federal troops to Utah to replace Brigham Young as territorial governor. This largely bloodless conflict lasted until 1858 and ultimately ended with a negotiated settlement.

3. The Bug House Square Debates started on October 12, 1913: The first public debates at Chicago's Washington Square Park (nicknamed "Bug House Square" due to the number of speakers and their eccentric views) took place on October 12, 1913. The debates continue today as an anarchist tradition.

4. The first General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was held on October 12, 1831: The first General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was held in Fayette, New York on October 12, 1831. The conference marked an important step in the institutionalization of the Church and the standardization of its beliefs and practices.

5. The Salt Palace Convention Center opened on October 12, 1969: The Salt Palace Convention Center, located in Salt Lake City, Utah, opened its doors on October 12, 1969. The massive structure, with over 515,000 square feet of exhibit space, has hosted countless events over the years, including the 2002 Winter Olympics.