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Duchesne County


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Duchesne County Facts:

County Website: Duchesne County
Area: 3,256 square miles
Population: 20,477 (2023)
Founding Year: 1915
County Seat: Duchesne City
Origin of County Name: after the Duchesne River which was possibly named for a French Canadian trapper
Cities/Towns: Altamont, Duchesne, Myton, Roosevelt, Tabiona
Economy: livestock, alfalfa and hay, oil, natural gas
Points of Interest: Big Sand Wash Reservoir, High Uinta Wilderness Area, Moon Lake, Starvation Reservoir
Geography: Northern third Uinta Mountains, major river sources. Southern part desert-like Uinta Basin, flat and rolling terrain
Historical Significance: Originally Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation. Opened to homesteaders under Dawes Act early 1900s
Notable Residents: Limited records, early settlers and homesteaders post-1905
Natural Resources: Water from Uinta Mountains supports agriculture, oil and gas exploration

 

About Duchesne County:

In 1914, the Utah State Legislature created Duchesne County from a portion of Wasatch County. The county became official with the start of the new year in 1915. Located within the Uinta Mountains, Duchesne County is home to Kings Peak, the highest mountain in the state, rising to 13,528 feet. Major streams flowing through the county include the Strawberry, Duchesne, Lake Fork and Yellowstone rivers.

The settlement of Duchesne County holds a unique place in Utah history. Unlike much of the state, it was not settled under the direction of Brigham Young. Instead, individuals acquired 160-acre plots through the federal Homestead Act. To secure ownership, homesteaders were required to live on the land for five years, make improvements and pay $1.25 per acre before receiving title to their homesteads.

Resources:

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

 

Gallery:


Upper Stillwater Dam, located in Duchesne County, is a concrete gravity dam known for its unique stepped spillway and its role in storing water for irrigation and municipal use.
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Moose are commonly found in Duchesne County, Utah, especially in the forested areas and high-elevation habitats of the Uinta Mountains.
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The Duchesne County Courthouse, located in Duchesne, Utah, serves as the center of county government and legal proceedings
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The old Strawberry Riverside School, located in Strawberry, Utah, ten miles west of Duchesne, was originally built in 1912 as a 20-by-30-foot structure.
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An oil well in the Uinta Basin, Utah, reflects the region's strong petroleum industry, which plays a significant role in the economy of eastern Utah.
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An agricultural building in Myton, Utah, highlights the area's ongoing connection to farming and ranching traditions.
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Starvation Reservoir in Duchesne County, Utah, is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping, offering scenic views and outdoor recreation opportunities.
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The Freedom Bridge spans Starvation Reservoir in Duchesne County, providing a vital transportation link and offering picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.
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Redman Village, an archaeological site in Nine Mile Canyon, Utah, consists of several rock shelters left by the Fremont culture, offering valuable insights into ancient Native American life.
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The Strawberry River in Duchesne County, Utah, is a scenic waterway known for its trout fishing, providing recreational opportunities and supporting local wildlife.
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The Uinta Mountains in Duchesne County, Utah, are renowned for their rugged beauty, offering outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
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Wildflowers in Duchesne County, Utah, bloom in vibrant colors during the spring and summer, adding natural beauty to the region's diverse landscapes.
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