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Piute County


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Piute County Facts:

County Website: Piute County
Area: 766 square miles
Population: 1,550 (in 2023)
Founding Year: 1865 County Seat: Junction
Origin of County Name: after Paiute Indians
Cities/Towns: Circleville, Junction, Kingston, Marysvale
Economy: agriculture (primarily beef and dairy cattle), education
Points of Interest: Tushar Mountains, Otter Creek State Park, Piute State Park, Piute County Courthouse
Geography: South-central Utah, bordered by Sevier County (north), Garfield County (south) and Wayne County (east), includes Piute Reservoir and Otter Creek Reservoir
Historical Significance: Named after the Paiute Native American tribe; early settlers in mining towns like Bullion and Alunite
Notable Residents: Butch Cassidy (outlaw born in Beaver), Denis Julien (early French trapper)
Natural Resources: Agriculture, ranching and outdoor recreation

 

About Piute County:

Piute County was originally inhabited by the Fremont Indians and, much later, the Paiute Indians, for whom the county is named. In 1864, Mormon pioneers settled the towns of Circleville and Junction. By 1868, the area developed into a mining district known as Gold Mountain, leading to the establishment of towns such as Marysvale. The region has produced valuable minerals including gold, zinc, alunite, and uranium. These resources were especially important during World Wars I and II and may continue to hold significance in the future, as untapped mining areas still exist.
Today, Piute County supports agricultural activities, including livestock and dairy farming, although agriculture is limited by water availability. Water recreation is available at Piute and Otter Creek reservoirs. Notable sites in the county include the city of Kingston and the Parker Home—the boyhood home of outlaw Butch Cassidy—located in the southernmost part of the county.

Resources:

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

 

Gallery:


The old Piute County Courthouse is a historic building located in Junction, Utah.
Image from Wikimedia Commons

The John and Ella Morrill House is a historic home located in Junction, Utah.
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The town office of Kingston, Utah, serves as the administrative center for the small community.
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The fire station in Circleville, Utah, provides emergency services for the town and surrounding areas.
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A mine entrance in Bullion Canyon near Marysvale, Utah, reflects the region's rich mining history dating back to the late 1800s.
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An old cabin in Bullion Canyon near Marysvale, Utah, stands as a reminder of the area's historic mining era.
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Old tunneling equipment in Bullion Canyon near Marysvale, Utah, showcases the tools once used during the region’s mining boom.
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Old mining equipment in Bullion Canyon near Marysvale, Utah, stands as a reminder of the area’s rich mining history.
Image from Wikimedia Commons

The Witt Tate Mine in Bullion Canyon near Marysvale, Utah, sits amid scenic mountain terrain and offers a glimpse into the area's rugged backcountry landscape.
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The Bully Boy Stamp Mill in Bullion Canyon near Marysvale, Utah, is a historic ore processing facility.
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Big Rock Candy Mountain is located about 30 miles south of Richfield in the scenic Sevier Canyon.
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Otter Creek Reservoir is a high alpine reservoir known for offering excellent fishing opportunities.
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Unused farmland near Circleville, Utah, is covered in a colorful blanket of wildflowers during the blooming season.
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Corralled horses in Circleville, Utah, reflect the area's strong ranching and agricultural traditions.
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