Heber City in Wasatch County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)

First Pioneer Settlers in Timpanogos Valley

Photographed by Jeremy Snow, June 19, 2025

1. First Pioneer Settlers in Timpanogos Valley Marker

Inscription.
In 1858 the first pioneer settlers arrived in what the Indians called Timpanogos Valley, meaning the mountain valley. The fertile area near London Springs was already being plowed by William Davidson, Robert Broadhead and James Davis when twelve more men arrived from Utah Valley on May 2, 1859. When winter settled in 1859 eighteen families called this valley home. The first building to be constructed in the valley was a log building 20 ft. by 49 ft. with a dirt floor, dirt roof and stone fireplaces at each end. This structure served the new community as school, church and a center for civic functions.

In 1864 the Indians became resentful after being forced onto reservations. A confrontation near Manti started what was known as the Black Hawk War, which began to spread throughout the territory. During these troubled times the leaders of the upper and lower settlements on Snake Creek which were known as Mound City and Stringtown agreed to gather together in 1866 at a new site called Fort Midway.

In an effort to pacify the Indians and preserve peace in this valley, Captain William Madison Wall, Joseph McDonald and

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a few other men were sent by Brigham Young to take a gift of 100 head of cattle to the camp of Chief Tabby who was preparing for war. After several meetings between Wall, Bishop Joseph S. Murdock and Chief Tabby, a treaty was signed in Heber City on August 28, 1867. With the peace treaty in place families began to move out of three forts located in Heber, Midway and Wallsburg.

The origins of the early settlers were varied, many had arrived from the British Isles where they had been converted by Heber C. Kimball counselor to President Brigham Young. When it came time for those in the location of this monument to name their settlement they chose Heber in honor of their leader. President Kimball is reported to have said: "Now you people have named your little town after me. I want you to see to it that you are honest, upright citizens that I may not have cause to be ashamed of you."

The tabernacle, located four blocks north of this site is now the home of the Heber City offices. This building was built under the direction of the first Stake President, Abram Hatch, and was dedicated on May 5, 1889.

The railroad arrived in September

Photographed by Jeremy Snow, June 19, 2025

2. First Pioneer Settlers in Timpanogos Valley Marker

of 1899 opening the valley to commerce between the settlers and the outside world. The train moved so slowly up the canyon that it became known as the "Heber Creeper." At one time more sheep were shipped out of Heber than from any other place west of the Mississippi.

Erected 1996 by Wasatch Centenial Committee.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is May 2, 1859.

Location. 40° 30.245′ N, 111° 24.838′ W. Marker is in Heber City, Utah, in Wasatch County. It can be reached from South Main Street north of West 300 South. Markers located in the south-east corner of the Heber City Park. The statute that is on top of the marker can be observed from the road, but not the markers themselves. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 250 S Main St, Heber City UT 84032, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Wasatch Front

and in Greater Provo.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in Colorado Plateau.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky

Photographed by Jeremy Snow, June 19, 2025

3. First Pioneer Settlers in Timpanogos Valley Marker

Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: James William & Mary Campbell Clyde Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Wasatch Library (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); William & Sarah Jane McDonald Buys Home (about 400 feet away); Addison & Sophia Hicken Home (1890) (about 500 feet away); David IV & Mary Ann McDonald Fisher House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Frederick & Minnie Crook Home (approx. 0.2 miles away); Heber Bank Block Building (approx. ¼ mile away); Heber Second Ward Meetinghouse (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Heber City.

Statute on top of the Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeremy Snow, June 19, 2025

4. Statute on top of the Markers

Photographed by Jeremy Snow, June 19, 2025

5. Left Panel

Photographed by Jeremy Snow, June 19, 2025

6. Right Panel

Credits. This page was last revised on June 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 23, 2025, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. This page has been viewed 162 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 23, 2025, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.