Page Contents for Payson, Utah

The city was named for James Pace and founded in 1850 on the banks of Peteetneet Creek. The first spelling was Pacen, but that was changed when the community was incorporated to Payson. Peteetneet was also an early name for the area after a local Indian Chief, Peteetneet, and his people. The downtown business area has been renovated with a turn of the century motif. Payson is the gateway to many surrounding outdoor recreational areas.

Payson once had an opera house, built in 1883 and a horse collar factory operated in the late 1800s. There was also a large sugar beet processing factory in Payson, completed in 1913, but the plant closed in 1926 because of a lack of sufficient product to operate the plant. It was later dismantled.

Here is a history page for Payson. This history page is from the City of Payson.
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The founding of Payson

The incorporation of Payson

Mount Nebo Scenic Loop. Call (801) 785-3563 for information. The road reaches elevations of 8,000 fet and beautiful vistas. Four campgrounds are on the trail. The road is open May through October. Cross-country skiers and snowmobilers are allowed use of the area during the winter.

Annual Payson Golden Onion Days.
Held in early September each year
Call (801) 465-0533 for more information. Fireworks, flower and art shows and lots of other fun activities.

See photos of Payson and the area.

Annual Scottish Festival
Payson is famous for its annual Scottish Festival held each year during the 2nd weekend in July. Featured are Scottish games, contests, competitions in dance and on the pipes, vendors, Scottish food and entertainment. It is one of the best celebrations in Payson.

The Ute Indian Chief, "BlackHawk," is buried at the BlackHawk Memorial Park 2 miles south of Payson. He was a key figure in Utah's BLACKHAWK WAR of 1865-1872. His bones were dug up by miners in 1917 and he was on display at the LDS CHURCH HISTORY MUSEUM IN Salt Lake City until 1997 when he was re-buried in the land of his fathers - the land he protected and loved! REST IN PEACE.

Visit the Museuum at Peteetneet Academy for the Arts located at 10 South 600 East. The beautifully landscaped grounds add asthetic beauty to one of the most attractive schools in Utah. Named for Chief Peteetneet, who lived on the banks of Peteetneet Creek, the Museum now houses 8 rooms of local History, a fascinating communications room, a costume/clothing room, A school room and a fine arts gallery which features a different artist monthly. A must-see-while-you're-in-PAYSON!
Hours 9-4 Monday thru Friday
Visit the Ashley National Forest Information booth

Gladstan Golf Course - One of the finest in the State, Try- me you'll like it! And you'll be glad you did. Call for T-Times - 801-465-2549

The home of the once proud "Mud Castle," the home of B.F. Johnson, a friend of the Prophet, Joseph Smith, father of 55 children with 7 wives. Here was located a pharmacy, A greenhouse (he sent plants all over the Western U.s. during 1860's), a molasses factory, and a leather works
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