Davis County, Utah

Adams, Joseph, House Atkinson, James and Hannah, House Barnard-Garn-Barber House Barnes, John George Moroni, House Barnes, John R., House Blood, Henry, House Bountiful Historic District Bountiful Tabernacle Brandon, Thomas and Margaret, House Capener, William, House Clark Lane Historic District (Additional Documentation) Deuel, Osmyn and Emily, House Duncan, John, Harriet, and Eliza Jennett, House Eldredge, James and Jane, House Farmer's Union Building Farmington Main Street Historic District Farmington Tithing Office Fielding Garr Ranch First National Bank of Layton Ford, Joseph N. and Algie, House Ford-Rigby House Green, James, House Haight, Hector C., House Harris, Thomas and Caroline, House Harris-Tingey House Hill, Joseph and Ann, Cabin Holland-Smith-Brown House Kaysville City Hall Kilbourn-Leak House Knowlton, George Quincy, House Lagoon Carousel Lagoon Flying Scooter Lagoon Roller Coaster Layton Oregon Short Line Railroad Station Layton, George W., House Layton, John Henry, House Mills-Hancock House Porter, Nathan and Rebecca Cherry and Eliza Ford, Farmstead Porter, Nathan T. and Anna, House Randall, Melvin Harley, House Rich-Steeper House Richards House Roberts, B.H., Louisa Smith and Cecilia Dibble, House Ron's Phillips 66 Service Station Salt Lake South East and North West Base Monuments (Salt Lake Base Line) Smith, Thomas J. and Amanda N., House Smith-Larsen House Smoot Dairy Farmhouse Stayner-Steed House Stewart, LeConte, House Streeper, William Henry and Mary, House Taylor, John W., Janet (Nettie), and May Rich, House Thurston-Chase Cabin Tingey, Thomas, House VanFleet Hotel Walton, Franklin and Amelia, House Wayman, John and Sarah Jane, House West Bountiful Historic District Whitaker, Thomas and Elizabeth Mills, House Wilcox, James D., House

Davis County, Utah, located in the northern part of the state, has a rich history dating back to the early Native American inhabitants. The Shoshone and Ute tribes were the original inhabitants of the area, relying on the abundant natural resources for their livelihood. However, with the arrival of European settlers in the mid-19th century, the landscape of Davis County changed dramatically.

In 1847, the Mormon pioneers, led by Brigham Young, settled in the Salt Lake Valley and eventually expanded further north into what is now Davis County. The settlers established several communities, including Farmington, Layton, Kaysville, and Bountiful, which became the foundation for the county's development. These early pioneers cultivated the land, establishing farms and building infrastructure to support their growing communities.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Davis County experienced an economic boom. The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 brought increased trade and communication to the region, stimulating its economy. The county became known for agriculture, particularly fruit orchards, and the development of industries such as sugar beet processing and brick manufacturing. The growth of these industries led to increased population and urbanization within Davis County.

In the mid-20th century, Davis County played a crucial role in the defense and aerospace industries. The Hill Air Force Base, established in 1940, became a major employer in the county and remains one of its largest economic contributors to this day. The base's expansion brought significant growth and development to the region, attracting business and supporting a thriving community.

Today, Davis County continues to evolve and grow, with its rich history preserved and celebrated through various landmarks and museums. It offers a mix of suburban living, thriving commercial areas, and beautiful natural landscapes. As one of the fastest-growing counties in Utah, Davis County reflects its past while embracing a vibrant future.
Brief timeline of the history of Davis County, Utah:

  • 1847 - Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young first settle in Davis County
  • 1850 - Farmington is settled by Mormon pioneers
  • 1853 - Bountiful is settled by Mormon pioneers
  • 1855 - Davis County is established as a county
  • 1869 - The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in Box Elder County brings economic growth to Davis County
  • 1894 - The first courthouse in Farmington is built
  • 1933 - Antelope Island becomes a state park
  • 1969 - Hill Air Force Base expands, bringing an increase in population and economic development
  • 1989 - The Great Salt Lake floods, causing substantial damage to areas in Davis County
  • 2002 - The Winter Olympic Games are held in Salt Lake City, impacting Davis County with increased tourism and infrastructure development

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Davis County, Utah.