Garnishing the staircases and balusters in the Utah State Capitol Building are these plaques showing a domed hive called a skep. A similar design appears on the state flag and coat of arms. But why is Utah the Beehive State? Originally, it was named the State of Deseret. The term is from the Book of Mormon meaning honeybee. Brigham Young believed the word was symbolic for industry and working together to create a better future.