Burt, William, House

515 E. Center St., Beaver, UT
The William Burt house is significant because its age and architectural design are indicative of Beaver's first major period of growth and development. By 1875, the town's pioneer log buildings were being replaced by small two and three-room homes built of brick and stone. These homes often reflected in form and materials the backgrounds of the settlers. In this case, William Burt constructed a traditional hall and parlor house using the ashlar masonry techniques of his native Scotland. The Burt house is a typical expression of its times and becomes an important resource for understanding and evaluating the complete range of Beaver's architectural history. The house has been enlarged several times during its lifetime; these additions are normal and to be expected on houses of such a small size. While the original north section of the Burt house holds the most significance, the many additions help to gain an appreciation of the expanding nature of 19th-century domestic architecture in Utah.

William Burt was an early builder in Beaver. He was also locally known for his fine decorative plastering. The Burt home contains several examples of his work, most notably the ceiling moldings in the parlor of the original rock section.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

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Utah was the site of the first-ever transcontinental railroad connection in the United States. The historic meeting of the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads took place on May 10, 1869, at Promontory Summit, Utah.
Beaver County, Utah has a rich and fascinating history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was home to the Paiute Indian Tribe, who lived off the land and utilized the resources of the region. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1850s, led by Mormon pioneers seeking new opportunities and a place to practice their faith.

The town of Beaver, which would become the county seat, was established in 1856. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived, drawn by the fertile soil and ample water sources. Agriculture became the mainstay of the local economy, with crops such as wheat, corn, and fruit thriving in Beaver County's mild climate. Early settlers also raised livestock and operated small-scale mining operations, primarily for gold and silver.

In the late 1800s, transportation became a major factor in Beaver County's development. The Union Pacific Railroad extended its line to the region, opening up new markets and opportunities for the residents. The railroad brought an influx of tourists and businessmen, leading to the growth of hotels, businesses, and services in Beaver and other towns.

Throughout the 20th century, Beaver County continued to thrive through agriculture, mining, and tourism. The county experienced the boom and bust cycles associated with these industries, but managed to adapt and remain resilient. Today, Beaver County is known for its stunning natural landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and its friendly community. It is a testament to the perseverance and hard work of its early pioneers and the generations that followed.

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

  • 1776 - Spanish explorers from California pass through the area
  • 1826 - American trapper and explorer Jedediah Smith visits the region
  • 1856 - Mormon pioneers settle in Beaver County
  • 1861 - Beaver County is officially established
  • 1872 - Railroad reaches Beaver, providing economic boost
  • 1895 - Beaver County Courthouse is built in Beaver
  • 1906 - Tintic Mining District is established, bringing mining boom
  • 1931 - Completion of historic Beaver Dam Lodge and Golf Course
  • 1970 - Completion of Beaver Mountain Ski Resort
  • 1985 - Completion of Minersville Reservoir