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Cache County


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Cache County Facts:

County Website: Cache County
Area: 1,173 square miles
Population: 142,393 (in 2023)
Founding Year: 1856
County Seat: Logan
Origin of County Name: derived from the French verb cacher, "to hide," because early trappers in Cache Valley concealed their pelts and supplies for safekeeping
Cities/Towns: Amalga, Clarkston, Cornish, Hyde Park, Hyrum, Lewiston, Logan, Mendon, Millville, Newton, Nibley, North Logan, Paradise, Providence, Richmond, River Heights, Smithfield, Trenton, Wellsville 
Economy: manufacturing, trade, education, agriculture, dairying
Points of Interest: American West Heritage Center, Beaver Ski Resort, Cache National Forest, Ellen Eccles Theatre, Hardware Elk Ranch, Hyrum Lake State Park, Logan Canyon, Logan Historic District, Logan LDS Tabernacle, Logan LDS Temple, Tony Grove Lake, Wellsville LDS Tabernacle
Geography: Cache Valley, Bear River Mountains to the east, Wellsville Mountains to the west
Historical Significance: Early pioneer settlement, fur trapping, trade routes, key area for Mormon pioneers, developed into an agricultural center
Notable Residents: Marriner S. Eccles (U.S. economic policy figure), John A. Widtsoe (scientist, agricultural expert)

 

About Cache County:

Cache County was established in 1856 and named after the caches—storage places used by early trappers such as Jim Bridger and Peter Skene Ogden to hide pelts and supplies for safekeeping. Evidence suggests that prehistoric hunters and gatherers may have lived in the area as early as 10,000 years ago. Although Cache Valley saw initial settlement in 1855, the first permanent settlement was founded in 1856 by Peter Maughan. Called Maughan’s Fort, it was located in what is now the town of Wellsville. The completion of the Utah Northern Railroad in 1873, linking Brigham City to Logan, helped local farmers reach new markets for their grain and dairy products.

Cache County remains a statewide leader in agriculture, particularly in dairy, as well as in producing grains, hay and alfalfa. Logan, the county seat, is home to about half the county’s population and houses Utah State University (USU). Founded in 1888, USU has played a major role in advancing agricultural research and supporting farmers across the state. The university has since become the county’s largest employer and offers a wide range of academic programs. It also serves as a cultural resource for the broader community.

 

Resources:

More information for Cache County can be found at the following sites:

 

Gallery:


Tony Grove Lake is a glacial lake in Cache County, Utah, located in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and known for its hiking, fishing and access to alpine trails.
Image from Wikimedia Commons

The Logan Tabernacle is a historic building in downtown Logan, Utah, built by early settlers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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Main Street in downtown Logan, Utah, features a mix of historic buildings, local shops, restaurants and views of the nearby mountains.
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The David Eccles House, built in 1907 in Logan, Utah, is a historic residence constructed for David Eccles, the state's first multimillionaire.
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A view from Utah State University near the Taggart Student Center includes campus walkways, student gathering areas and a backdrop of the Bear River Mountains.
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The Wellsville Mountain range in Cache Valley, Utah, rises sharply to the east, offering dramatic views and a popular destination for hiking and outdoor recreation.
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A partial view of Cache Valley, Utah, reveals the Wellsville Mountain range to the east and the iconic Logan Temple in the distance, blending natural beauty with historical landmarks.
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Hyrum Dam and Reservoir are situated on the Little Bear River, just south of Hyrum City, Utah, and serve as a popular spot for fishing, boating and outdoor recreation.
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Logan Canyon winds through the Bear River Mountains, a branch of the Wasatch Mountain Range, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities like hiking and fishing.
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The American West Heritage Center, located in Wellsville, Utah, is a living history museum that offers an immersive experience of life in the American West from 1820 to 1920.
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Elk roam freely in the Hardware Ranch, located in the Cache Valley, where visitors can observe these majestic animals, especially during the winter months when they gather in large herds.
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The Richmond Public Library in Richmond, Utah, continues to serve the community, offering a range of educational resources and programs and is a historic Carnegie library.
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