National Register Listing

Washington School-Vernal LDS Relief Society Hall

a.k.a. Washington Elementary School; 268 North 500 West;282 North 500 West

270 North 500 West, Vernal, UT
Local significance of the building:
Education; Religion; Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

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.

education religion architecture social history
The state's name comes from the Ute tribe, who were the original inhabitants of the region. The word "Ute" means "land of the sun" or "people of the mountains."
Utah random facts
Uintah County, located in northeastern Utah, has a rich and diverse history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Ute people, who have a deep cultural and historical connection to the region. These native tribes thrived in the land, using its resources for sustenance, trade, and spiritual practices.

The arrival of European settlers in the mid-19th century marked a significant turning point in Uintah County's history. In 1861, Brigham Young, the leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sent a group of Mormon pioneers to establish a settlement in the Uintah Basin. These early settlers faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions, limited resources, and conflicts with the native tribes. However, their determination and resilience laid the foundation for future development in the area.

The discovery of natural resources, particularly oil and gas, in the early 20th century brought significant economic growth to Uintah County. The oil boom in the 1920s attracted numerous oil companies and led to the establishment of towns such as Vernal and Myton. The extraction of these resources not only fueled the local economy but also brought new opportunities for jobs and infrastructure development.

Over the years, Uintah County has experienced fluctuations in its economy due to changes in the oil and gas industry. However, the county has diversified its economic activities, focusing on agriculture, tourism, and outdoor recreation. Uintah County is home to stunning natural landmarks, including Dinosaur National Monument, which attracts visitors from around the world.

Today, Uintah County continues to honor and preserve its rich history while adapting to modern challenges and embracing opportunities for growth. The spirit of its early pioneers, combined with the natural beauty of the area, positions Uintah County as a unique destination for both residents and visitors alike.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Uintah County, Utah.

  • 1776: Uintah County area is explored by Spanish explorers, led by Father Escalante
  • 1825: Mountain man Jedediah Smith explores the area
  • 1843: John C. Fremont leads an expedition through Uintah County
  • 1861: Fort Thornburgh is established to protect and support settlers
  • 1861: First permanent settlement, Ashley Valley, is established
  • 1880: Uintah County is officially established by the Utah Territorial Legislature
  • 1905: Discovery of rich oil and gas deposits leads to oil boom in the region
  • 1942: US Army establishes Uintah Indian Reservation for displaced Navajo Indians during World War II
  • 1956: Construction of Flaming Gorge Dam is completed, creating the Flaming Gorge Reservoir
  • 1979: The Ashley National Forest is expanded, encompassing a significant portion of Uintah County
  • 2005: Opening of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation to off-reservation gaming