Millard County Overview

Like most of Utah, Brigham Young extended the call and settlers moved to Millard County. Fillmore, the county seat, was settled in 1851. Since it was centrally located in the state, Brigham Young wanted the territorial government to be established there and directed the construction of the first government building in Utah. However, those appointed to take over the government were not of the same mind and chose to remain in the more settled Salt Lake area. Only one legislative session was held in the Territorial State House, which is now a historical museum housing artifacts from the era of the early settlers and Indians. Fillmore sits up against the mountains and has several historic qualities along with a 9-hole golf course, public swimming pool and skate park located in the city park. Fillmore is located along the Interstate I-15 corridor.

In 1859, shortly after the Gunnison Massacre near present Deseret, settlers who had gone to the rescue of the survivors were called to return and establish a new town site. Because the land was so desolate, they felt the necessity of blessing it, and in doing so a remarkable prophecy was given. It was said that the land would become so productive that the valley would be known as the granary of the state. Today Millard County leads the state in growing alfalfa and has received top honors nationally for quality. In all agriculture production, Millard County ranks third in the state. Highway 50 passes through the county, which is a US highway that goes from Maryland to California.

Due to the Black Hawk Indian uprising in 1867, Cove Fort was erected under the direction of Ira Hinckley. The fort never was used as protection against Indians, but became a way station between Salt Lake City and St. George until the arrival of the railroad in 1869. The fort and other outbuildings have been carefully restored and are open to visitors year round free of charge.

Delta, established in 1906, claims the widest main street in Utah, claiming Highway 6 & 50 as Main Street, and it is the eastern gateway to the Great Basin National Park. In Delta you can swim in the Olympic-size swimming pool, play racquetball and use the exercise equipment, all housed in the same facility. Go bowling, golf the 18-hole course, or take in a show at the twin theaters. Our business district provides shoppers with a variety of stores to meet most every need. Several parks are available for public use.

The west desert is a rock hounder's paradise with many kinds of rocks and fossils to be found. It is the location of the world's largest deposit of trilobite fossils. About 100 miles west are two completely different cave experiences. The Crystal Ball Caves are privately owned and head lanterns or flashlights are needed for exploring. The more developed Lehman Caves are found in Great Basin National Park (in Nevada) where 2000-year-old bristlecone pines still grow. At the base of Mt. Wheeler is an easy 5-mile hike around to small pristine lakes. The 13,060 peak awaits those who are more athletic and adventurous.

There's still more... tour Intermountain Power Service Corporation, one of the world's largest power plants; visit the Japanese Relocation Site with artifacts housed in the Great Basin Museum in Delta, along with some good rock and fossil displays and articles from Delta's early history. Try boating and waterskiing at the Gunnison Bend Reservoir. Visit Clear Lake Waterfowl Refuge, which abounds in all types of birds. Hike up to the Great Stone Face. In the same area are examples of Indian petroglyphs and the partially restored Ft. Deseret. Go fishing and camping in the Fishlake National Forest near Oak City and Fillmore. Play on the sand hills or ride hundreds of miles of ATV trails. See extinct volcanoes.

Millard County is a land of variety waiting to be explored. For more information on Millard County, go to the county website at www.millardcounty.org or the tourism website at www.millardcountytravel.com.