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FRUITA
LOMA
MACK
UTALINE
WESTWATER
CISCO
THOMPSON
GREEN RIVER
MOUNDS
FARNHAM
PRICE
HELPER
CASTLE GATE
COLTON
SOLDIER SUMMIT
THISTLE
SPRINGVILLE
PAYSON
DIVIDEND
EUREKA
PROVO
HEBER
AMERICAN FORK
LEHI
MIDVALE
BINGHAM
MURRAY
SALT LAKE CITY
LAYTON
OGDEN
PARK CITY
MOUNT PLEASANT
EPHRAIM
NEPHI
MANTI
GUNNISON
SALINA
RICHFIELD
MARYSVALE |
from D&RGW Guidebook
c. 1936
Royal Gorge and Moffat Tunnel Routes
Grand Junction, CO. to Ogden, UT.
FRUITA, COLO.-D.-R. 460.5 mi.; D.-M. 285.4 mi.; pop. 1,466; elev
4,510. Mesa County. Fruita, as its name implies, is located in a fertile agricultural
district. Early potatoes of exceptional quality find a ready market, promoting rapid
development of the potato industry. Beans and sugar beets are produced in large
quantities, while extensive orchards indicate the importance of fruit raising. Fruita has
assumed a place of prominence on Colorado's recreation map because of the close proximity
of Colorado National Monument, with its striking and picturesque monoliths, fantastically
carved.
LOMA, COLO.-D.-R. 465.6 mi.; D.-M. 290.5 mi.; pop. 896; elev. 4,525.
Mesa County. The High Line canal of the Reclamation service provides ample water for
irrigation of land which has been found suitable for production of high quality potatoes,
the major crop in the Loma district.
MACK, COLO.-D.-R. 468.9 mi.; D.-M. 293.8 mi.; pop. (prec.) 521; elev.
4,540. Mesa County. With little irrigation, the land in the Mack region is largely barren.
Mack is the gateway to Dragon and Watson, Utah, where there are extensive deposits of
gilsonite. Gilsonite, a hard, brittle hydrocarbon with glassy lustre, is easily mined
with hand picks. The veins are rarely more than 10 feet in width, but extend to unknown
depths, with some of the workings as deep as 300 feet. Used extensively in the manufacture
of linoleum products, gilsonite is also utilized in making paints, varnishes, roofing
materials, and rubber substitutes.
UTALINE-D.-R. 483.4 mi.; D.-M. 308.3 mi.; elev. 4,344. Located
directly on the line dividing Colorado and Utah, Utaline boasts a boundary monument with
the state names prominently displayed.
WESTWATER, UTAH-D.-R. 488.4 mi.; D.-M. 313.3 mi.; pop. 50; elev.
4,340. Grand County. Here the Rio Grande leaves the Colorado River, which it has followed
from headwaters high on the west slope of the Continental Divide. In the 238 miles between
Granby, Colo., and Westwater, Utah, the Colorado has changed from a sparkling mountain
stream to become a wide, restless, powerful river. Along no other railroad in the United
States is the story of a major river more dramatically portrayed. From Westwater the
railroad continues west, but the course of the river turns south and its waters, once
largely wasted, are trapped by Boulder Dam to form Lake Mead, furnishing water for
irrigation and domestic use, as well as electric power.
CISCO, UTAH-D.-R. 504.4 mi.; D.-M. 329.3 mi.; pop. 248; elev. 4,375.
Grand County. In the heart of a vast sheep-herding country, Cisco is an important
sheepshearing and wool-shipping point.
THOMPSON, UTAH.-D.-R. 528.1 mi.; D.-M. 353 mi.; pop. (prec.) 113;
elev. 5,160. Grand County. An oasis on the desert, Thompson first came into existence
because of the springs which were chief source of water for early-day travelers. A supply
and shipping point for sheep owners in the region, Thompson is the rail gateway to Moab,
county seat of Grand County, 32 miles to the southeast on the Colorado River. Moab was
established as a Mormon colony during the period of heavy Mormon migration to Salt Lake
City in the years immediately following Brigham Young's dramatic arrival in 1847. Between
Thompson and Moab is Arches National Monument. The "window section" of this
fascinating area includes 144 arches, or natural "windows" ranging in size from
peepholes in the rock walls to great openings 153 feet in height. Thompson as the rail
gateway and Moab as the highway gateway, are destined for future prominence as improved
highways lead travelers into southeastern Utah for a glimpse of the inspiring wonders of
the vast Natural Bridges National Monument, where handiwork of the Master Engineer
presents an inspiring sight. Not far from Natural Bridges National Monument is Hovenweep
National Monument, on the Utah-Colorado border, notable for its excellently preserved
ruins, consisting of four groups of prehistoric towers, pueblos, and cliff dwellings.
GREEN RIVER, UTAH-D.-R. 555.2 mi.; D.-M. 380.1 mi.; pop. 470;
elev. 4,080. Emery County. Located on the banks of the river from which it takes it name,
Green River boasts the lowest elevation of any point on the Rio Grande system. Summer
temperature is almost torrid, and precipitation is slight. Water has been taken from Green
River for the irrigation of a relatively small area that will produce almost all kinds of
crops and fruit. Green River cantaloupes, although introduced to national markets just a
few years ago, have already won a commanding position. A much larger area can be reclaimed
by creation of a storage reservoir in Green River canyon far above the town and by
constructing irrigation canals; once this has been accomplished, it is freely predicted
that Green River valley will rival Grand Junction in the acreage under cultivation and in
the abundance of its products. Alfalfa tops the present list of general farm crops, while
cattle and sheep raising are important industries in the region. Carnotite and manganese,
used as a flux for steel, are found nearby in commercial quantities. Green River affords
good fishing, while ducks, geese, pheasants and deer provide excellent hunting.
Historically, Green River is steeped in the romance and adventure which characterized
settlement of the West. It is said that Father Escalante sailed down the Green River in
1776, naming it Rio Buenaventure, "the river of good venture." The Rocky
Mountain Fur Trading Company in 1824 maintained trappers along the river, and it became
the rendezvous for Indians and fur traders, among whom Jim Bridger was best known. Captain
Gunnison, on his ill-fated survey of a route for a Pacific railroad, crossed Green River
Sept. 30, 1853, and a short time later lost his life in an encounter with the Indians
after he had crossed the Wasatch Plateau. Beckwith Plateau, not far distant, was named for
Lieut. Beckwith, Capt. Gunnison's companion and successor. Originally called Blake City,
the typical western frontier town became Green River in 1888. For years previous it had
been the trading post for the notorious Wild Bunch or Robber's Roost gang of outlaws,
whose hideout was about 65 miles away. Zane Grey's "Robber's Roost" is a tale of
this vicinity. In 1883 the railroad bridge across the river was completed. The Ute Indians
went on the war path in 1886, and the Rio Grande sent guns and ammunition in to the
harassed settlers, holding a narrow gauge train in readiness to carry out the people, if
necessary.
MOUNDS, UTAH-D.-R. 603.2 mi.; D.-M. 428.1 mi.; elev. 5,442. Emery
County. A branch line of the Rio Grande leads to Sunnyside, one of the largest coal mines
in the district, about 18 miles distant. Coal has been mined extensively at Sunnyside
since 1900, with daily output averaging about 2,000 tons. From Columbia Junction, the
Columbia Steel Company's branch railroad runs to Columbia, supplying coal for the
company's steel mills.
FARNHAM, UTAH-D.-R. 608.7 mi.; D.-M. 433.6 mi elev. 5,313. Carbon
County, A natural well of carbon dioxide gas supplies a large plant for compression of the
gas and manufacture of dry ice.
PRICE, UTAH-D.-R. 619.1 mi.; D.-M. 444 mi.; pop. 5,214; elev. 5,546.
County seat Carbon County, so named because of the great beds of coal found in the Book
Cliffs.
This attractive, modern city is a large shipping and distributing point for sheep, wool,
and agricultural products. Chief industry is mining of Utah rock asphalt, a perfect
natural paving mixture of bituminous sandstone containing about 90 per cent siliceous
material in saturated combination with approximately 10 per cent of pure natural asphalt.
Price is the center of an important agricultural area, with 40,000 acres of tillable
ground immediately adjacent. Alfalfa, wheat, oats, barley, corn, potatoes, sugar beets and
fruits are all raised in commercial quantities. With numerous active coal camps nearby,
there is an excellent year around local market.
Price is strategically located at the gateway to an empire between the Rockies and the
Wasatch ranges; this section of eastern Utah represents one-fourth the area of the state
and about one-tenth its population. As the trading center for the vast Uintah Basin, Price
is the logical commercial center about which future development of this great territory
abounding in natural resources must revolve. Great beds of asphaltum, gilsonite, elaterite
and other hydrocarbon minerals are practically untouched. Vastness of the territory is
illustrated by the fact that government garages at Price service the longest U. S. Star
mail route in the nation. A short distance from Price are attractive fishing and hunting
areas, at Scofield, Huntington Canyon, and Joe's Valley.
Price is the rail gateway to Dinosaur National Monument, at Jensen, in Uintah County on
the Green River. Bones of prehistoric reptiles that roamed 150,000,000 years ago, lived in
shallow water and fed on water plants, have been recovered from Dinosaur National
Monument, where extensive excavations are directed by the National Park Service.
Apatosaurus louisa, 71'6" long, 14'8"f high, has been reconstructed and is on
exhibition at the Carnegie Museum, Pittsburgh, Pa.
HELPER, UTAH-D.-R. 626.5 mi.; D.-M. 451.4 mi.; pop. 2 843; elev.
5,840. Carbon County. Book Cliffs tower 1,500 feet above the station in Helper, a lively,
progressive town built at the mouth of the canyon cut by the Price River. Accurately
described as being located "in the heart of the richest coal mining regions in the
west," Helper is the shipping point of 25 producing mines. Production for a single
year has reached the astounding total of 5,000,000 tons of bituminous coal of unusually
high quality. Approximately 98 per cent of Utah's total coal output has been produced in
the mines of Carbon, Emery
and Grand counties; workable coal deposits are practically inexhaustible, since scarcely 1
/ 10th of one per cent of the total coal resources have been exhausted during the 50 years
in which records have been kept. Helper is the shipping point for such important coal
mines as Spring Canyon, Standardville, Latuda, Mutual, Kennilworth, and Castle Gate.
Helper's importance to the adjacent mining district does not cease with shipping point
service, for the community is the principal trading, religious, social and amusement
center for the numerous camps situated in canyons adjoining.
CASTLE GATE, UTAH-D.-R. 630.3 mi.; D.-M. 455.2 mi.; pop. 851;
elev. 6,120. Carbon County. The Castle Gate group of coal beds lie near the tops of the
ridges at the mouth of Price River canyon, the coal being lowered by long inclined
tramways to the tipples. Castle Gate takes its name from that of the spectacular high
projecting points of gray sandstone which close in on the valley about two miles from the
town, leaving only a narrow passage resembling a gateway in the walls of an ancient
castle. Castle Gate is the imposing entrance to Price River Canyon, where ever-changing
lights and shadows present an enchanting sight in their play on the weird formations of
the mighty cleft, walls of which attain a height of 1,500 feet above the river bed.
COLTON, UTAI-I-D.-R. 644.5 mi.; D.-M. 469.4 mi.; pop. 26; elev.
7,170. Utah County. Colton, well up the slope of the Wasatch Plateau, is located in a vast
grazing area, which furnishes grazing for thousands of sheep. From Colton the Pleasant
Valley Branch extends 21 miles to Clear Creek, Carbon County, serving coal mines at
Scofield and Clear Creek.
SOLDIER SUMMIT, UTAH-D.-R. 651.5 mi.; D.-M. 476.3 mi.; pop.
69; elev. 7,440. Wasatch County. Here, at the crest of Wasatch Plateau, the Rio Grande
reaches its highest Utah elevation. Soldier Summit is so named because several U. S.
soldiers were buried here in 1860. President Buchanan had dispatched soldiers to Utah
because of trouble between territorial officers and the Mormon settlers, but the armed
force was not needed, as the difficulties were amicably settled by a personal
representative of the President. Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston, who left Utah in 1860, was
given a command in the Confeder_ ate Army the next year.
THISTLE, UTAH-D.-R. 680.9 mi.; D.-M. 505.8 mi.; pop. (prec.) 318;
elev. 5033. Utah County. From Thistle, lying at the foot of the west slope of the Wasatch
Plateau, the Marysvale branch line (see description page 59) extends 132.2 miles south
thru the rich Sanpete and Sevier valleys to Marysvale.
SPRINGVILLE, UTAH-D.-R. 695.8 mi.; D.-M. 520.7 mi.; pop. 4,796;
elev. 4,555. Utah County. Taking its name from the hot spring emanating from the base of
the mountain in nearby Hobble canyon, Springville marks the real beginning of the vast and
fertile Salt Lake Valley. The shimmering surface of Utah Lake adds to the beauty of this
land of peace and plenty. This flourishing town is surrounded not only by fields of grain,
alfalfa and sugar beets, but by orchards that stretch out mile after mile. Sugar
factories, flour mills and canneries are major industrial activities in this section of
Utah county.
THE TINTIC BRANCH
Springville to Silver City, 43 miles
SPANISH FORK, UTAH-Springville 3.8 mi.; pop. 4,167; elev, 4,582; Utah County, and
PAYSON, UTAH-Springville 10.8 mi.; pop. 3,591; elev. 4,610. Utah
County. These thriving towns, each an important community in a remarkable agricultural
empire, attest the fertility of Utah soil, and graphically show the magic wrought by
adequate irrigation. Uintah National Forest, to the northeast, and Manti National Forest,
to the southeast, provide excellent outdoor recreation centers. Both towns are served
daily by Rio Grande Motor Way, unit of the National Trailways System.
DIVIDEND, UTAH-Springville via Pearl 34 mi.; pop. (prec.) 347;
elev. 5,913; Utah County, and
EUREKA, UTAH-Springville 39.1 mi.; pop. 2,292; elev. 6,452; Juab
County, and
SILVER CITY, UTAH-Springville 43 mi.; pop. (prec.) 111; elev. 6,100. Juab County.
Eureka is the major community in the rich Tintic mining district, which boasts precious
metal mines of high rank. Records reveal alltime production totaling $367,955,105.
(Finis Tintic Branch; back to Royal Gorge and Moffat Tunnel Routes.)
PROVO, UTAH-D.-R. 701.2 mi.; D.-M. 526.1 mi.; pop. 18,071; elev.
4,512. County seat Utah County. Third largest and one of the wealthiest cities in Utah,
Provo is a testimonial to the vision and perseverance of the Mormons, who transformed a
desert into an agricultural empire, creating material wealth from natural resources. Hay
and grain top the list of agricultural products, with fruit, sugar beets and vegetables
next in order. Poultry and poultry products form a substantial industry, while dairying
has been extensively developed. Sheep and lambs head the livestock list, ranking ahead of
cattle.
Steel and iron plants, coke and gas works, plants for manufacture of pressure pipe for
water and gas, foundries, machine works, brick and tile plants, candy factories, and
creosote plants give Provo industrial prominence. It is the hub of a region rich in
mineral resources.
Provo River flows through the city into Utah Lake. This lake, 30 miles long and six miles
wide, is the largest fresh water lake in Utah. Center street, with its attractive flowered
parkway, cuts a straight line from the shore of Utah Lake three miles through Provo to the
base of Mt. Timpanogos. Headquarters of Uintah National Forest is located here. Close to
the city are 135 miles of trout fishing streams. In abundance are pheasants, quail, ducks,
and geese, with deer and elk in the immediate neighborhood. Skiing, skating, and
tobogganing are winter sports enjoyed in the mountains just 15 miles from Provo.
Timpanogos Cave National Monument, a veritable fairyland, is reached by the fascinating
Alpine Scenic
Highway. The cave, located at an elevation of 6,776 feet, is a cavern 600 feet in length
filled with formations of exquisite beauty. Stalactites and stalagmites, in bewildering
profusion, are the main feature, though there are several mirror-like pools and numerous
minor recesses. Mt. Timpanogos, 12,008 feet in elevation, properly called Utah's Wonder
Mountain, is monarch of the Wasatch range. On its high slopes is the southernmost glacier
in America.
Provo was named after a French-Canadian trapper, Etienne Provot. First white explorers
were Escalante and Dominquez, who arrived in the valley Sept. 23, 1776, preaching to the
Indians on the shore of Utah Lake before continuing along their way to Monterey,
California. Soon after the arrival of the Mormon pioneers in 1847, Brigham Young sent
explorers southward and a permanent settlement was formed on Provo river in 1849. The town
was incorporated in 1856. Early history of Provo is a chronicle of courageous pioneering,
with Indian wars punctuating the ceaseless struggle for development of irrigation.
Brigham Young University, with a normal enrollment of 2,500 students representing 25
states, dominates an excellent educational system.
PROVO CANYON BRANCH
Provo to Heber, 25.7 miles
HEBER, UTAH-Provo 25.7 mi.; pop. 2,748; elev. 5,559. County seat
Wasatch County. This branch line turns directly through the well irrigated farms to the
north of Provo and ascends Provo Canyon, which cuts across the Wasatch Range, winding
about the base of Mt. Timpanogos. Livestock, mining and timber are ranking industries.
Great quantities of gilsonite, elaterite, ozocerite, and other hydrocarbon ores, mined in
surrounding mountains, are shipped from Heber. Hay, grain, hardy fruits and vegetables are
raised in abundance. Wasatch and Uintah National Forests are nearby, with exceptionally
good trout fishing in streams and lakes. Deer, elk, bears, mountain lions, ducks and
pheasants entice hunters. Heber City was first settled in 1859 by a group of English
Mormon immigrants.
(Finis Provo Canyon Branch; back to Royal Gorge and Moffat Tunnel Routes.)
AMERICAN FORK, UTAH-D.R. 713.7 mi.; D.-M. 538.6 mi.; pop.
3,333; elev. 4,563. Utah County. Located on a mountain stream of the same name, which
flows into Utah Lake, this thriving town is in a rich agricultural belt. Stock and poultry
raising have been extensively developed. Nearby mountain streams and the great fresh water
lake provide excellent recreational facilities.
LEHI, UTAH-D.-R. 717 mi.; D.-M. 541.9 mi,; pop. 2,733; elev. 4,550.
Utah County. Lehi was settled in 1852 by resourceful pioneers who, by diverting the waters
of Dry Creek, secured irrigation for development of a rich agricultural community. Wheat,
sugar beets and truck garden vegetables are principal crops. Stockraising, dairying and
poultry raising yield large revenues. Fire clay beds, calcite and black marble quarries
are close. Industries include flour and feed mills, a turkey processing plant and a
calcite plant. In 1893 the first sugar factory in the west was established at Lehi.
Scenic spots adjacent include Timpanogos Peak and Cave and Alpine Scenic Drive (Timpanogos
Loop). Just two miles south is Utah Lake and the source of the Jordan River, which flows
into Great Salt Lake much as the biblical River Jordan pours into the Dead Sea.
MIDVALE, UTAH-D.-R. 734.5 mi.; D.-M. 559.4 mi.; pop. 2,875; elev.
4,365. Salt Lake County. The rugged expanse of the Wasatch Range forms an imposing
background for the farms in the valley. Located here is a large mill and lead smelter for
the reduction of ores from the Bingham mines. Known as the smokeless smelter, it was one
of the first to recover and utilize substances contained in the gases and previously
allowed to go into the air, poisoning and killing vegetation. Midvale is the junction
point of branch lines running to Welby, Bingham Canyon and Garfield.
BINGHAM BRANCH
Midvale to Bingham 14.1 miles; Midvale to Garfield via Welby 25.7 miles
BINGHAM, UTAH-Salt Lake City 24.7 mi.; pop. 2,834; elev. 5,862.
Salt Lake County. One of the most spectacular sights in the world is North America's
largest surface copper mine at Bingham. Here will be seen a mountain being actually
removed by giant steam and electric shovels, working on a score of terraces. In normal
operation, more material is dug and dumped into railroad cars here every day than was
moved during the digging of
the Panama Canal in any one day of the most intensive operations on the Isthmus. Trains
carry the ore to the Garfield and Midvale smelters. The side of Bingham Canyon rises 1,600
feet in a series of giant steps. The town itself has only one street which twists and
winds along the narrow canyon. Buildings appear wherever a foothold can be contrived and
the residents of the community literally live inside the great excavation. A mining center
since 1865, the Bingham mine of the Utah Copper Company handles about 22,000 tons of
low-grade ore every day. New wealth produced in the Bingham district during the past 71
years reaches the staggering sum of $1,214,636,982.
(Finis Bingham Branch; back to Royal Gorge and Moffat Tunnel Routes.)
MURRAY, UTAH-D.-R. 738.7 mi.; D.-M. 563.3 mi.; pop. 5,740; elev.
4,310. Salt Lake County. Smelting and ore refining are the principal industries, with some
farming. Many of the smelters built here have been consolidated into the large Murray
Smelter of the American Smelting & Refining Co., which handles only silver-lead ores.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH-D.-R. 745.1 mi.; D.-M. 570 mi.; pop.
149,934 (195,000 in metropolitan area); elev. 4,224 ft. Salt Lake City, capital of Utah
and county seat of Salt Lake County, is unique, not only for its interesting location in
the shadow of the Wasatch mountains, but for the romance of its origin and the story of
its commercial and cultural development. The unusually wide, tree-lined streets, many
parks, well-kept lawns and profusion of flowers give a feeling of spacious restfulness.
Handsome public buildings, fine hotels and beautiful residences make it an outstanding
metropolis of the west. Mean annual temperature is 54 degrees. Mountain ranges close by
are a protection from severe winter cold, while cool breezes from snowcapped peaks
delightfully temper each summer day.
From the famous Temple Square radiate the far-flung activities of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day
Saints. The ten-acre park in the heart of the city forms an impressive setting for the
massive buildings, unique in architectural design. Here is the six-towered Mormon Temple
and the domed Tabernacle with its great pipe organ. Here too, is the only monument to bird
life in America. The Seagull Monument was erected in memory of the white-winged birds,
which, when crickets threatened devastation of all crops in 1848, swarmed down to devour
the pests. Around Temple Square are grouped many buildings of historic interest. Lion
House, Beehive House (the home of Brigham Young), and the Eagle Gate, built in the 70's as
the entrance to Brigham Young's estate, all reflect the religious life of early days. The
Deseret Museum contains interesting relics of pioneer life.
Another notable building is the imposing State Capitol, of native Utah granite, topping a
hill north of the city, directly beneath Ensign Peak.
On July 24, 1847, Salt Lake City was founded by a little band of 148 Mormons, led by
Brigham Young, seeking sanctuary from a world unfriendly to their faith. Explorers had
reported this section of the West worthless for permanent settlement, and on that fateful
midsummer day in 1847, this first band of Mormons to glimpse Salt Lake Valley, as they
emerged from Emigration Canyon saw only a few straggling trees and a light growth of brush
along the streams flowing out of the hills. But Brigham Young, who had seen this valley in
a vision long before, uttered the now-famous words, "This is the place! Drive
on." Thus began transformation of the desert. Rapid development of Salt Lake City is
a testimonial to the spirit, skill, and faith of a remarkable people inspired by an ideal.
The Mormons, deeply interested in education and culture, immediately started building
schools, social halls and theatres. Within three years the University of Utah was
established, the oldest university west of the Missouri River. This institution, with a
present enrollment of more than 4,000 students, has attained high rank among American
universities. In 1862 the Salt Lake Theatre was erected and was ranked as one of the
foremost playhouses in the nation. From this time Salt Lake City became known as a center
for music and drama.
The Mormon Temple was begun in 1853, requiring 40 years for completion. Much of the native
Utah granite, used in its construction, was hauled 20 miles from Little Cottonwood Canyon
by ox team. The granite walls are 16 feet thick at the base and six feet thick at the top.
The statue of Angel Moroni, which crowns the highest of the Temple's six pinnacles, is of
hammered bronze covered with pure leaf gold.
The great domed Tabernacle, completed in 1867, is one of the most unique buildings in the
world from an architectural standpoint. It is 250 feet long, 80 feet high and 150 feet
wide, seating about 8,000 people. The roof is supported only by 44 buttresses which
surround the building. The wooden beams and joints were put together with wooden pegs and
cowhide thongs. Because of the shape of the building and absence of any metallic
substances the acoustics are so marvelous that the dropping of a pin can be heard the
entire length of the building, more than 200 feet.
The first pipe organ was made almost entirely by hand by Utah artisans. Now the great
Tabernacle organ with its 8,000 pipes, is fully electrified and is said by worldfamed
musicians to have the richest and sweetest tone of any organ in the world. Free noon organ
recitals are given daily, except Sunday.
Salt Lake City is the center of greatly diversified interests, resources and industries.
The manufacture of petroleum products takes top rank, with other manufactured products
yielding large revenues.
Ten miles from the city is the Great Salt Lake, an inland sea, covering an area of 2,000
sq. mi. It is 75 miles long with a maximum width of 50 miles. Large as it is, it is but a
small part of ancient Lake Bonneville, so named in honor of Capt. B. L. E. Bonneville, who
from 1832 to 1836 explored much of the region formerly occupied by its waters.
Twenty-three thousand years ago it was a fresh water lake, 346 miles long and 145 miles
wide. In time the surface of the lake sank below its outlet, and through evaporation the
water gradually attained a higher percentage of common salt (23 % ) than any other
large body of water in the world. Each year thousands of visitors enjoy the exhilarating
experience of swimming in its waters, so buoyant that it is impossible to sink. Saltair
Bathing Beach is a unique amusement resort. The dance pavilion, built over the shoreline,
is one of the largest in the world. The Bonneville Salt Flats, a salt deposit left by the
receding lake, covers about 159 sq. mi. The surface is hard and rigid enough to support
loaded trucks. In 1912 these Salt Flats were tested as a race course and declared the
greatest speedway in the world. Since 1931 most of the world's famous drivers have had
their try on this course.
Salt Lake City has 16 parks and playgrounds and many sporty golf courses. Hogle Zoo is a
popular attraction. Six picturesque canyons lead from the very edge of the city into the
heart of the Wasatch Mountains, with improved highways to scenic spots of great beauty.
Stream and lake trout, salmon and other species provide fun for fishermen. Fresh and salt
water swimming, boating and mountain climbing are favorite recreations. Winter sports are
developing rapidly with settings and facilities made to order for skiing and bob-sledding.
One of America's most famous winter sports centers is located at Alta Basin, high in
Utah's Wasatch mountains twenty-eight miles southeast of Salt Lake City, where skiing, ice
skating, and tobogganing are popular from mid-November to mid-April. Alta, once one of the
West's most famous silver mining camps, can be reached by auto or bus from Salt Lake City
in forty-five minutes. An abundance of powder snow, vast open slopes, a chair lift,
instruction by nationally famous skimeisters, natural and slalom runs, practice slopes,
and firstclass accommodations at Rio Grande Alta Ski Lodge are among the outstanding
attractions of the resort.
LAYTON, UTAH-D.-R. 767.2 mi.; D.-M. 594.1 mi.; pop. 646; elev. 4,329.
Davis County. Layton, like its near neighbors-Farmington, Kaysville, Roy, Cox and
Farnsworthis located in the rich agricultural belt bordering Great Salt Lake between Salt
Lake City and Ogden. Hay and grain, sugar beets, potatoes and onions are principal crops,
while truck gardening is extensively practiced. Sugar factories and canneries provide
industrial activity.
OGDEN, UTAH-D.-R. 782 mi.; D.-M. 606.9 mi; pop. 43,688; elev. 4,293.
County seat Weber County. Western terminal of the Denver & Rio Grande Western
Railroad, Ogden, second largest city in Utah, is located at the junction of the Ogden and
Weber Rivers near the base of the
Wasatch Range. Founded in 1848, this beautiful city was laid out and planned in detail by
Brigham Young two years later. Today Ogden is a modern, prosperous city, important as a
livestock and manufacturing center. Grain and flour mills, sugar factories, canneries and
meat packing plants rank first in value of products. Pickle, cereal and can factories,
cement, brick and tile plants, foundries, woolen mills, clothing and candy factories are
leaders in the list of 17 distinct lines of manufacturing industries, which account for an
annual business volume exceeding $38,000,000. Ogden owes its industrial success to the
surrounding wealthy agricultural area which has been intensively cultivated. Echo Dam and
Pine View Dam supply adequate water for irrigation.
From Mount Ogden (9,700 ft. in elevation) there is a magnificent panorama affording a
glimpse into Wyoming, Idaho and Nevada, as well as an entrancing spectacle of Utah cities,
great expanses of farms and orchards, several mountain chains and the Great Salt Lake,
which lies about 10 miles west of Ogden. Ogden Canyon, about two miles east, is one of the
most picturesque gorges in the West. The upper canyon is extremely narrow, with
precipitous walls rising almost perpendicular from the canyon bed. The nearby rugged
mountains and their canyons hold a fascination for the fisherman, hiker, bridle path
devotee and motorist; and their deep snows offer a winter paradise to lovers of skiing and
tobogganing.
At Logan, 50 miles north of Ogden, is the Utah State Agricultural College, a technical
school ranking high among American institutions of higher learning.
THE PARK CITY BRANCH
Salt Lake City to Park City (Passenger Service via Rio Grande Motor Way) 30.6 miles.
PARK CITY, UTAH-Salt Lake City 30.6 mi.; pop. 3,739; elev.
6,970; Summit County. Ending at one of the great silver, lead and gold camps of the state,
the Park City line is laid through Parley's Canyon, so named in honor of Parley P. Pratt,
leader of the "First Immigration" or handcart companies of Mormon pioneers. Just
out of Salt Lake City there are entrancing views of the State Capitol, the University of
Utah and Fort Douglas, far-famed western military post.
Ecker Hill near Stoven (formerly Kimball), 26 miles from Salt Lake City, annually attracts
thousands of winter sports enthusiasts.
Park City is a typical and thriving western mining town. Some of the world's most
productive silver-lead mines are located here. The Silver King Coalition mine is said to
be one of the most perfectly developed of all American mines, with profitable work laid
out for many years to come. The Park Utah Consolidated Mining Co., has holdings which
comprise several thousand acres of rich mineral land; with an excellent production
background this company is pushing an extensive development program. All-time production
record of the Park City district-silver, lead, gold and copper-reaches the astonishing
total of $321,766,897.
THE MARYSVALE BRANCH
Salt Lake City to Marysvale via Thistle, 197.7 miles. Thistle to Marysvale, 132.2 miles.
This branch taps the rich Sanpete and Sevier valley, early settled by Mormon families sent
out by Brigham Young to colonize this region. Encounters with the Indians were numerous,
and often tragic. To protect these outlying settlements, as well as those in Salt Lake
valley, the State of Deseret was organized and a constitution drafted March 4, 1849. (The
word "Deseret" is taken from the Book of Mormon and means honey bee; the beehive
is one of the important symbols of the Mormon Church and accounts for Utah's designation
as the "Beehive State"). An election was held March 12, when Brigham Young was
chosen Governor, and on July 5, A. W. B. Babbitt was elected to Congress. He went to
Washington but Congress refused to recognize his credentials. The Territory of Utah came
into existence Sept. 9, 1850; President Fillmore appointed Brigham Young first governor.
Daily bus service between Salt Lake City and Marysvale is supplied by Rio Grande Motor
Way, subsidiary of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad.
MOUNT PLEASANT, UTAH-Salt Lake City, 102.1 mi.; pop. 2,382;
elev. 5,857. Sanpete County. Mount Pleasant and its near neighbor, Fairview (population
1,314), are trade centers for an important farming and stockraising region. Hay and sugar
beets are leading crops, with sheep topping the livestock list.
EPHRAIM, UTAH-Salt Lake City, 118.9 mi.; pop. 2,094; elev. 5,543.
Sanpete County. Pureblood Rambouilet sheep, shipped all over the world, have made this
region famous as a livestock center. Named in order of importance, turkeys and chickens,
cattle, eggs, hay and grain are ranking products. Oolite building stone (composed of
grains like roe) is extensively quarried. Manti and Uinta National Forests and Maple
Canyon State Park are within a few miles; 75 miles of fishing streams and abundant game
attract sportsmen. The history of Ephraim has centered about Snow College, now a state
Junior College, founded by the L. D. S. Church in 1888.
SANPETE VALLEY BRANCH
Ephraim to Nephi, 34.7 miles.
NEPHI, UTAH-Salt Lake City, 153.6 mi.; pop. 2,835; elev. 5,096. County
seat Juab County. Nephi is known for its vast gypsum deposits and is also the distribution
center of a rich farming and stockraising region. Plaster milling and flour milling are
important industries. The Scenic Loop Drive has opened up a pleasant recreational area in
Uinta National Forest, near Mt. Nebo (elev. 12,000). One of Utah's oldest towns, Nephi was
settled in 1849. Moroni (pop. 1,158) and Fountain Green (pop. 988) are thriving Sanpete
Valley towns between Ephraim and Nephi.
MANTI, UTAH-Salt Lake City, 126.3 mi.; pop. 2,268; elev. 5,530. County
seat Sanpete County. Settled in 1849. Manti's dramatic history is replete with stirring
stories of
Indian uprisings and pioneer hardships. Sheep and cattle raising and general farming are
major industries. Poultry raising is extensively practiced. Manti National Forest lies
west and north, providing good fishing, excellent deer hunting, duck and pheasant
shooting. The Manti Mormon Temple required 11 years to complete (1877-88).
GUNNISON, UTAH-Salt Lake City, 138.4 mi.; pop. 1,115; elev. 5,215.
Sanpete County. Located in the center of a productive sugar beet area, Gunnison attains
industrial prominence from nearby Spearmint sugar factory.
SALINA, UTAH-Salt Lake City, 151.9 mi.; pop. 1,660; elev. 5,160.
Sevier County. From Salina, a thriving town in a productive agricultural and stockraising
section, containing crude rock salt deposits, the Castle Valley Branch leads 17.7 miles to
the coal camp of Crystal.
RICHFIELD, UTAH-Salt Lake City, 169.2 mi.; pop. 3,584; elev.
5,308. County seat Sevier County. Delightfully situated on the Sevier river, Richfield is
a modern little city, shopping center for a well developed agricultural and stock raising
section. "An angler's heaven" fittingly describes picturesque Fish Lake, lying
high in the Fish Lake mountains southeast of Richfleld.
MARYSVALE, UTAH-Salt Lake City, 197.7 mi.; pop. 626; elev. 5,839.
Piute County. Close to Marysvale are vast undeveloped deposits of alumina, which forecast
a brilliant future for this section. Directly south is Utah's impressive Bryce Canyon
National Park.
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