Introduction to Ogden, Utah
Ogden is situated near the Wasatch Mountains in Weber County. The city is 10 miles away from the Great Salt Lake and approximately 40 miles from Salt Lake City. The Ogden River and the Weber River run through the city of Ogden.
History
The area was originally known as Fort Buenaventura. In 1846 The settlement was founded by a trapper named Miles Goodyear. The Mormon settlers bought Fort Buenaventura in 1847. The area was then called Brownsville but years later took the name of Ogden in tribute to a brigade leader named Peter Skene Ogden who was part of the Hudson's Bay Company.
The first Transcontinental Railroad was connected in the Ogden area in 1869 and the location is known as the "Golden Spike." The city of Ogden experienced enormous change due to the Transcontinental Railroad. Business activity increased as well as the railroad bringing in a vast number of non-Mormons to Ogden. The city was now a prominent railroad location and was known as Junction City. Due to its location and the railroads, Ogden became home to industries such as canneries, iron works, woolen mills, livestock yards, flour mills, banks and other industries.
Transportation
The city is served by the Utah Transit Authority which offers bus transportation between Ogden and Salt Lake City as well as transportation to other cities in the area. The city is also served by the Ogden-Hinkley Airport.
Activities
Skiing is popular at the Snowbasin Resort which was host to numerous Olympic Winter events during 2002. The area also offers opportunities for bicycle riding and hiking in the summer. The Powder Mountain Resort features steep slopes and is known for its heavy powder. Other locations for activities include:
- Antelope Island
- Ogden Valley & Pineview Reservoir
- Willard Bay
- Monte Cristo area
- Ogden River Parkway
Attractions
The Golden Spike National Historic Site offers a variety of railroad artifacts and is home to replicas of historic steam engines. The Eccles Dinosaur Park features life-sized copies of dinosaurs and numerous other prehistoric animals. Other attractions in Ogden include:
- Fort Buenaventura Park
- Holy Trinity Abbey
- Historic 25th Street
- Ogden Nature Center
- Ogden's Municipal Gardens
- Union Station
Colleges
Ogden is home to Weber State University. The college provides the area with theatre, music, art as well as science. The campus features the National History Museum.