BOSTON, MASS.- A significant historical document signed by President Grover Cleveland, approving of Utah's entry as the 45th state into the Union, was sold for $27,188, as announced by Boston-based
RR Auction. This unique piece of history, dated January 4, 1896, holds both historical and monetary value and is truly one of a kind.
The one-page document features President Cleveland's directive to the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to his Proclamation admitting the State of Utah into the Union of States. Signed neatly at the conclusion by Grover Cleveland, this piece underscores the formality and gravity of the occasion.
No other territory in the United States has had requests for statehood denied or ignored by Congress as many times as Utah. Utah's territorial government unsuccessfully applied for statehood six times before the Utah Constitutional Convention was held from March 4, 1895, to May 8, 1895. To Congress, Utah was un-American for several reasons, including theocracy, economy, polygamy, and slavery. As such, disputes between the dominant Mormon community and the federal government delayed Utah's admission as a state, and it was only after the outlawing of polygamy that Utah was admitted into the union as the 45th state on January 4, 1896.
"Utah's path to statehood was fraught with obstacles, each overcome with remarkable perseverance," said Bobby Livingston, Executive Vice President at RR Auction. "This signed document is not just a piece of history; it's a symbol of Utah's relentless spirit and commitment to achieving statehood.
Noteworthy Items Featured in the Sale:
· Robert Oppenheimer typed letter to a Manhattan Project employee in the 'Explosives Division' fetched $21,421.
· Albert Einstein signed book, Philosopher-Scientist: Volume VII of the Library of Living Philosophers, sold for $19,899.
· Leon Trotsky signed document for publishing 'The History of the Russian Revolution,' garnered $18,769.
· Charles Darwin signed letter regarding "the new English edition of The Origin," achieved $18,089.
· George Washington signed document for the Potomac Company also brought in $18,089.
The Fine Autograph and Artifacts auction, hosted by RR Auction, started on March 25 and concluded on April 17.