Midvale

Midvale, Utah. A city nestled in the heart of the Salt Lake Valley. It’s a place where the whispers of history mingle with the hum of modern life. Midvale wasn’t always the bustling city it is today. It began as two distinct communities. In the east, farmers cultivated the land, while in the west, miners and millers carved their livelihoods from the earth. These two halves, seemingly disparate, relied on each other, bound by the necessities of life and the flow of commerce. Midvale’s strategic location, right in the middle of the valley, made it a natural crossroads. This central position earned the town its name, a simple yet fitting moniker. The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s fueled Midvale’s growth, transforming it into a bustling hub for adventurers and entrepreneurs. The nearby Bingham Canyon mines, rich with silver and other metals, spurred industrial development. By the late 19th century, Midvale had become a key smelting center. The Galena smelter, built in 1873 near the Jordan River, marked an early stage in this transformation. It processed ores from Bingham Canyon, setting the stage for Midvale’s industrial future. This industrial growth solidified in 1902 when the United States Smelting, Refining, and Mining Company (USSRMCO) established a major smelter in Midvale. This facility initially focused on copper, then transitioned to lead processing, and later continued lead ore milling and concentration until 1972. At its peak, the smelter processed a staggering 900-1,000 tons of ore daily. This influx of industry drew people to Midvale, seeking opportunity and a new life. The population boomed. In 1909, Midvale officially became a city. The 1910 census recorded a population of 1,760, a testament to the town’s rapid growth. Today, Midvale is a thriving city with a population exceeding 36,000. It’s a diverse community. It boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene. Midvale is also home to major corporations like CHG Healthcare Services, Overstock.com, and Zagg. From its humble beginnings as a dual community of farmers and miners, Midvale has transformed into a modern city. Yet, it retains the warmth and community spirit of its past. It is a city that embraces both its history and its future.