How about a city nestled between canyons that wasn’t even a city until recently? That’s Cottonwood Heights for you. This place wasn’t officially a city until 2005. Before that, it was just a collection of settlements. But its story goes way back.
Eight families first settled here in 1849. They called their settlement Union. One of those settlers, Jehu Cox, donated land. This land became the site of a fort. By 1854, about 23 homes stood within the fort. Back then, Union included areas that are now Midvale and Sandy.
After World War II, things changed for Cottonwood Heights. Farming gave way to housing. Subdivisions popped up to meet the growing demand.
Cottonwood Heights is known as the City Between the Canyons. This is because of its location between Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood Canyons. These canyons lead into the Wasatch Mountains.
The city is also near several famous ski resorts. Alta, Snowbird, Solitude, and Brighton are all close by. This makes Cottonwood Heights a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts. There’s hiking, biking, and plenty of parks.
Cottonwood Heights has grown quickly since becoming a city. It now has its own police and fire departments. The business community is also expanding. Money Magazine even listed Cottonwood Heights as one of the top 100 places to live.
One notable landmark in Cottonwood Heights is the Old Mill. It was built in 1883 by the Deseret News. The mill made paper for the newspaper. The granite used to build it came from the same quarry as the Salt Lake City LDS Temple.
The Old Mill had a machine room, engine room, and cutting room. It even had a 100-foot elevator tower. Water powered the mill through a 50-inch floodgate.
A fire in 1893 destroyed much of the mill. Insurance didn’t cover the full cost. This led to the mill’s abandonment as a paper factory.
In 1927, the Old Mill was converted into a resort clubhouse. It offered horseback riding and nightly dancing. There were plans for a golf course and a swimming pool. John Basil Walker operated the Old Mill Club from 1927 to 1942.
The Old Mill Club closed during World War II. Over the years, the building has been empty. It has also been used as an entertainment venue including a haunted house. Cottonwood Heights City condemned the building in 2005. It has even appeared in movies like “SLC Punk” and “Halloween: The Curse of Michael Meyers.”
From its early days as a fort to its modern status as a thriving city, Cottonwood Heights has a unique history. It’s a place where the past meets the present. The industrious spirit of its settlers lives on.