 |
|
|
The Cedar Valley—Future and Past November 8, 2014, 10:38 amIts future: Situated at the edge of northwestern Utah County—one the fastest growing areas in Utah—the future, right now, seems wide open for the Cedar Valley. In fact, Utah County houses 11 out of the 12 fastest-growing communities in the state of Utah. Eagle Mountain, and its neighbor, Saratoga Springs, are two of these rapidly-developing communities. But before we look forward any further, let's take a look back in time. Providing the travelers of Utah State Route 73 with picturesque panoramas of wide-open countryside, the Cedar Valley is very rich in both Utah and United States history. For starters, how many of you newly-transplanted Cedar Valley residents knew that the legendary Pony Express Trail ran through the Cedar Valley by way of the community of Fairfield? Or, have you noticed the occasional signs posted along Pony Express Parkway regarding the historical route? (The Pony Express was a mail-delivery service of the company that in 1860 became the Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company). And if you have noticed them, are you constantly amazed (like this CJ Writer), that you are traveling the same trail that Pony Express postal delivery riders used near the start of the Civil War? Cedar Valley is bordered on the west by the Oquirrh Mountains, and on the east by Traverse and Lake Mountains. Cedar Valley also lies just below Camp Williams military reserve. If you want to drive into the "historical heart" of the Cedar Valley, you're going to want to drive through the quaint, tiny town of Cedar Fort, maybe stop at the gas station/mini mart, or general store for a refreshment. (The Pony Express Trail can be exhausting, after all!) Head just past Cedar Fort and you will find the historical museum for Camp Floyd, a popular field trip destination for elementary schools. After you visit the museum/gift shop, you might also want to stop at the Stage Coach Inn. This inn, a stage coach stop along the Pony Express Trail, was deeded to the Utah State Park and Recreation Commission in 1958. It was restored and opened to the public in 1964. And get this, Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), and his brother, reportedly stopped at Camp Floyd on their way through to Nevada on a stage coach. Cedar Valley has three incorporated towns. As of a 2010 Census—from smallest to largest—Fairfield (incorporated 2004), had a population of 119, Cedar Fort (incorporated 1965), a population of 368, and Eagle Mountain (incorporated 1996), a whopping population of 21,415—and growing. Fairfield was founded in 1855 when John Carson settled in the Cedar Valley. The town's first name was "Frogtown." Sent to suppress a rumored rebellion, Johnston's Army arrived in about 1858. This army established nearby Camp Floyd and the population grew to nearly one-third of the entire U.S. Army at that time. Finding no actual rebellion, Johnston's Army was sent back east to fight for the Union with the outbreak of the Civil War. Frogtown became Fairfield in 1861, named after Amos Fielding, who had participated in establishing the community. By the way, just outside the Camp Floyd museum there is a plaque commemorating an early newspaper of the Cedar Valley, touting it as the "first non-Mormon newspaper". In his youth, back in Missouri, Samuel Clemens was employed as an apprentice typesetter where he contributed articles to the newspaper run by his older brother, Orion Clemens, however, there's no connection between the Clemens brothers and this early, local newspaper. As rapidly as parts of the Cedar Valley (and surrounding areas), are growing, it's quite interesting to speculate as to where the Cedar Valley is heading in the foreseeable future. For some, the prospect of growth—especially of businesses and services--might seem very appealing. For others, the idea of much more growth, of any kind, might seem very undesirable. But as to the extent and nature of this growth, I guess we'll see what happens. Regardless, what other extraordinary events, that have yet to occur, will be added to Cedar Valley's already rich history and current trends? Can anything rival the Pony Express Trail or Mark Twain's brief pass-through? Maybe. Perhaps the first mass-produced flying car will include the Cedar Valley in its historical test run? What, exactly, will residents of Cedar Valley, those of the distant future, (let's say, the year 2070) have to look back upon? The CONNECTING newspaper for EAGLE MOUNTAIN UTAH, SARATOGA SPRINGS UTAH AND THE CEDAR VALLEY UTAH Copyright 2014 The Crossroads Journal LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed The community news source for Eagle Mountain Utah, Saratoga Springs Utah, Lehi Utah, American Fork Utah, Highland Utah, Alpine Utah, and The Cedar Valley, including Cedar Fort Utah and Fairfield Utah. Copyright 2025 The Crossroads Journal LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
|
