County History

Utah County was created on January 31, with Provo as the county seat. The area had initially been settled by Mormon pioneers in 1847.

Utah Territory is established by the United States Congress, and Utah County became one of the first seven counties.

The Pony Express route passed through Utah County, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States.

The Rio Grande Western Railway extended its line to Provo, bringing with it an influx of settlers and greatly stimulating the county's economic growth.

Utah achieved statehood, and Utah County, with Provo as its county seat, was confirmed as one of the state's twenty-seven original counties.

The beginning of the 20th century saw significant industrial development in Utah County, with the growth of mining, manufacturing, and service industries.

Brigham Young University in Provo was officially recognized as a university, contributing to Utah County's growing reputation as an educational hub.

Initially established as Central Utah Vocational School, the institution that would eventually become Utah Valley University was founded, marking the start of its journey as a significant educational presence in Utah County.

Geneva Steel, a massive steel mill, began operations in Vineyard, providing thousands of jobs and significantly impacting the economy of Utah County.

The Central Utah Project was initiated to manage water resources in the county, providing a significant boost to agriculture and other water-dependent industries.

Novell, a software and services company, was established in Provo, marking the beginning of the tech industry boom in Utah County.

Utah County hosted several events for the Winter Olympics held in Salt Lake City, bringing global attention to the region.

Adobe opened a major facility in Lehi, further bolstering Utah County's burgeoning tech sector, often referred to as the 'Silicon Slopes'.

Today, Utah County is a thriving region, known for its strong economy, diverse cultural heritage, and natural beauty. From its roots as a home to Mormon pioneers, it has grown into a vibrant hub of education, technology, and outdoor recreation.