Salt Lake County

Salt Lake County, Utah is one of the most beautiful and interesting places in the United States. It is located at the mouth of the Jordan River, surrounded by majestic mountains. With a population of over 1 million people, Salt Lake County has become an important cultural, educational and business hub for Utah residents and visitors alike.

Salt Lake County is home to numerous attractions such as the Great Salt Lake, Temple Square and the Bonneville Salt Flats. The Great Salt Lake is one of the largest inland bodies of water in the United States, providing a unique habitat for wildlife and a great place for people to go swimming or boating. Temple Square is a large complex located in downtown Salt Lake City, and it is a popular destination for tourists because of its rich history and significance to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The Bonneville Salt Flats are an area of salt flats in western Utah that provide a unique landscape for off-road racing.

The economy of Salt Lake County is largely based around tourism as it attracts millions of visitors each year. It is also home to some of the most successful businesses in Utah, such as Overstock.com and Questar Corporation. The county provides diverse jobs in fields ranging from technology and finance to education and manufacturing.

Discover the fascinating history of Salt Lake Valley, starting with the original inhabitants known as the "Desert Gatherers" or the "Fremont Indians." As the valley evolved, various Native American tribes like the Shoshone, Paiute, Goshute, and Ute made it their home before the arrival of Mormon pioneers in 1847.

In 1850, the government established Great Salt Lake County, which was already home to over 11,000 residents. It wasn't until 1852, however, that the first formal meeting of the Salt Lake County government took place, making it clear that the county's administration was evolving alongside the development of the Utah Territory.

At the heart of the county's government was the County Court, consisting of probate judges and county selectmen. This court handled a wide range of responsibilities, from managing claims and controlling natural resources to establishing essential infrastructure like schools, roads, and election districts. Through their efforts, the County Court ensured the smooth functioning of the growing county while levying taxes to support its development.

Salt Lake County is located in the Basin and Range physiographic province, which includes most of the Great Basin Desert, at an elevation of 4,226 feet. The county has a total area of 1,288 square miles and it is divided into two regions: the Wasatch Front and West Mountain.

The Wasatch Front region extends along the eastern side of the valley from Ogden to Provo and is characterized by its urban development, with almost two-thirds of the population living in this area. In contrast, the West Mountain region is mostly rural and sparsely populated.

Temple Square is a popular tourist destination in Salt Lake County as it is the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Visitors to Temple Square can explore its remarkable architecture, including the famous Salt Lake Temple and Assembly Hall, as well as visit numerous sites like the Museum of Church History and Art and Brigham Young Monument.

The Utah State Capitol, located in Salt Lake City, is the seat of the government for the state of Utah. Here visitors can explore over 100 years of history, check out artworks and sculptures from around the state, and take part in educational programs like guided tours and lectures.

The Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the western hemisphere, located at the northern end of Utah's Wasatch Front. The lake provides a unique landscape for visitors to explore, including its vast stretches of salty beaches, wetlands, and islands.