Lehi City

Lehi City Municipal Water Report Info

Utah's magnificent landscapes were first discovered by humans approximately 12,000 years ago. Throughout the millennia, Paleoindian hunters were followed by various cultural groups including Desert Archaic, Anasazi, and Fremont peoples. Around 1,000 years ago, Numic-speaking groups like the Shoshones, Utes, Southern Paiutes, and Goshutes arrived in Utah, later joined by Athapaskan Navajos.

Europeans arrived much later, with the first significant expedition in 1776 led by Franciscan friars Dominguez and Escalante. They explored much of present-day Utah while searching for a northern route from Santa Fe to Monterey and promoting Christianity among indigenous peoples. Escalante frequently noted Utah's pristine natural beauty in his journal.

Nearly five decades passed before mountain men seeking beaver arrived. Colorful characters like Jim Bridger, Etienne Provost, Miles Goodyear, and Jedediah Smith explored the region, trapped animals, interacted with native peoples, and named many geographical features.

The Mormon pioneers arrived in 1847 seeking religious refuge in the remote West. They immigrated in large numbers, established communities, constructed homes and churches, developed irrigation-supported farms, interacted with indigenous populations, achieved territorial status in 1850, and generally thrived. Non-Mormons also settled, particularly after precious metals were discovered in the 1860s, bringing diversity to Utah's society. By statehood in 1896, the population approached 250,000.

The development of coal mines, railroads, and other industries during the early 20th century attracted "new immigrants," with Greeks, Italians, Slavs, Chinese, Japanese, Mexicans, and other ethnic groups enriching Utah's cultural landscape.

Though affected by the Great Depression, Utah's economy revived during and after World War II. Defense, mining, steel, and petroleum-refining industries led mid-century economic growth. Tourism, recreation (especially skiing), light manufacturing, and service industries have recently become economic pillars.

During Utah's centennial in 1996, its population exceeded 2 million. Due to larger-than-average family sizes and strong immigration rates, robust growth is projected well into the future.