Become familiar with one of the largest counties in Utah, just in time for Peach Days! Where did Box Elder County get its name? When did Box Elder become a county?
Box Elder county is located at the top northwest corner of the state of Utah, reaching the borders of Idaho and Nevada. It is the fourth biggest county in the state, and its county seat (and largest city) is Brigham City.
History
During the 1820’s and 30’s, Peter Skeen Ogden and Joseph R. Walker made their way to the northern counties of Utah to explore. 1851 was the beginning of white settlement in Box Elder County, but was already established by Shoshoni Indians. This caused a lot of violence and clashing between the two groups of settlers. These clashes took place until July 30, 1863 when Governor James Duane Doty negotiated the Treaty of Box Elder. The biggest historical point for Box Elder County took place on May 10, 1869 at Promontory when the driving of the Golden Spike joined railroads Central Pacific and Union Pacific together. This is so important because it marks the completion of the transcontinental line, making it possible for people to receive and send goods to Idaho and Montana. Box Elder County was simply named after the numerous boxelder trees growing in the area.
Box Elder County Today
Today, Box Elder County is home for over 50,000 people with towns/cities including Brigham city, Bear River city, Corinne, Deweyville, Elwood, Fielding, Garland, Honeyville, Howell, Mantua, Perry, Plymouth, Portage, Snowville, Tremonton, and Willard.
Some points of interest in Box Elder are the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Brigham City Museum and Gallery, Crystal Hot Springs, Golden Spike National Historic Site, Mantua Reservoir, Sun Tunnels, Spiral Jetty, and Willard Bay. Also, happening this weekend is Peach Days in Brigham City.
Peach Days
“Brigham City’s Peach Days Festival is one of Northern Utah’s largest and most cherished festivals. This tradition began in 1904 with a celebration to promote a new breed of peach and celebrate the delicious season of peaches! This year Peach Days will be celebrated September 10 & 11, 2021.The weekend event hosts 2 parades, a carnival, entertainment, a Jr. Peach Queen Pageant, the Miss Brigham City Pageant, a Motorcycle Show, over 200 craft and food vendors, and the largest free custom car show in the Western United States with over 900 cars on display.” (https://www.visitsaltlake.com/event/brigham-city-peach-days-2021/28600/)