Utah began automobile registration in 1909 and state-issued plates in 1915.  1915-22 issues were identified by only the letter "U".  "CENTER SCENIC AMERICA" was advertised on plates in 1942, 1945 and 1946.  The 1947 plate proclaimed "THIS IS THE PLACE", uttered by Brigham Young when he and 148 Mormon pioneers reached the Great Salt Lake valley in 1847.  In 1948, Utah became "THE FRIENDLY STATE" for one year.  The earliest of the five currently valid base plates began issue in 1973.