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Juab County


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Juab County Facts:

County Website: Juab County
Area: 3,406 square miles
Population: 13,023 (2023)
Founding Year: 1852
County Seat: Nephi
Origin of County Name: from the Ute word meaning flat or level plain
Cities/Towns: Eureka, Levan, Mona, Nephi, Rocky Ridge 
Economy: agriculture, manufacturing, mining, recreation
Points of Interest: Historic Tintic Mining District, Little Sahara Recreation Area, Old Pony Express and Stage Route, Yuba State Park, Goshute Indian Reservation, Tintic Mining Museum in Eureka, Mount Nebo Wilderness Area, Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge
Geography: Western Utah, bordered by Utah County (north), Millard County (south), Tooele County (west) and Sanpete County (east) 
Historical Significance: Mining in the Tintic region
Notable Residents: Phyllis Barnhart (animator), Tris Coffin (actor), Don B. Colton (politician), Marion Mack (actress), Oscar W. McConkie (author and politician)
Natural Resources: Rich in minerals, agriculture, livestock

About Juab County:

Juab County takes its name from the Ute word 'yoab', meaning thirsty plain or level plain, which describes much of the county’s landscape, except for the Rocky Mountains that line its eastern border. Early pioneers arrived in 1851 to farm the land, but it was the discovery of precious metals in 1869 that brought significant economic growth, generating over $35 million in mining revenue through the 1950s. The city of Nephi, originally known as Salt Creek, earned the nickname Little Chicago in the late 1900s due to the many businesses that lined its Main Street.
Today, travelers often pass through Nephi on Interstate 15. To the west of the freeway, visitors can still see active farmland, while Salt Creek Canyon lies to the east. South of Nephi, Yuba Lake State Park offers water recreation opportunities. The reservoir was formed by a dam originally called the U.B. Dam, named by the farmers who were compelled to build it, which was later renamed Yuba. If visiting in July, be sure to catch the Ute Stampede Rodeo, one of Utah’s largest and most celebrated events.

Resources:

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

 

Gallery:


The Little Sahara Recreation Area in Juab County, Utah, is a vast landscape of sand dunes popular for off-road adventures and outdoor recreation.
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A sand dune in the Little Sahara Recreation Area rises from the desert floor, showcasing the area’s unique and expansive landscape.
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Signs for Juab County and the town of Eureka, Utah, can be seen along U.S. Route 6.
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Eureka City Cemetery is a historic burial ground located in the town of Eureka, Utah.
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Bixbyite from Maynard’s Claim, also known as Pismire Knolls, is a well-known mineral specimen found in the Thomas Range near Topaz Mountain.
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Topaz, rhyolite, and bixbyite are commonly found in the Thomas Range near Topaz Mountain, making the area a popular destination for rockhounds and mineral collectors.
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The eastern flank of the Deep Creek Range, looking north-northwest, reveals rugged peaks and sweeping desert views.
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The foundation of the Knightsville School is one of the few remaining remnants of the ghost town of Knightsville, Utah.
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The Utah West Desert is a vast, arid region known for its rugged landscapes, unique geology, and remote beauty.
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Freshly mowed hay in Nephi, Utah, stretches across the fields, reflecting the area’s strong agricultural roots.
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The George Carter Whitmore Mansion is a historical home in Nephi, Utah, showcasing the beautiful architecture of the early area settlers.
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The Tintic Mining Museum, located in the historic mining town of Eureka, Utah, preserves and showcases the area’s rich mining heritage.
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Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge is a remote wetland oasis in Utah’s West Desert, providing vital habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.
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The Great Basin Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus bicinctores) is a striking reptile known for its vibrant colors and agility, commonly found in the arid regions of the western United States.
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Ancient American Indian rock art near Mona, Utah, offers a glimpse into the region’s early inhabitants and their cultural expressions.
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Looking south across the Mona Reservoir reveals a scenic view of northern Juab County, framed by open water and surrounding landscapes.
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