Tooele County is the second largest county in the state. While most of the western part of the county is now owned by the federal government, there are several cities in the eastern part of the county that have roots as far back as the late 1800's. Before towns were established, the Goshute Indians considered this area to be their ancestral homeland. In the late 1850's the U.S. government sent 3,500 troops to Fairfield, Utah to build Camp Floyd which began a year-long struggle known as the Utah War. In the 1860's the Pony Express trail had many stops in what is now Tooele County, including Simpson Springs. Towns were established during the county's history for mining, many of which are now ghost towns. Gristmills were also built which helped the county economically. Later, in the 1940's, the Wendover Airfield Base and the Dugway Proving Ground were built to help with preparations for World War II. Dugway is still in use today.
Today, Tooele County has many thriving communities including Tooele City and Stansbury Park. Each city has residents who commute to Salt Lake City every day for work. One of the largest employers in the area is the Tooele Army Depot that has been involved in incinerating weapons since 1943 when the base was established. In the northern part of the county, the Bonneville Salt Flats, remnants of ancient Lake Bonneville, are famous for the amount of flat land and the speeds vehicles are able to reach at the Bonneville Speedway. With all the variety of things to do and see in Tooele County a person can see why the county is so important to Utah.
More information for Tooele County can be found at the following sites:
- UOPL: Tooele County Profile
- Ghost Towns in Tooele
- Go-Utah.com - Wendover
- Pony Express Stop - Simpson Springs
- Tooele County Guide to Historical Attractions
- Tooele Chamber of Commerce
- Utah.com - Bonneville Salt Flats
- Utah.com - Tooele
- Utah Counties Profile - Tooele County
- Utah History Encyclopedia - Tooele County
- Utah History for Kids - Tooele County
- U.S. Census Quickfacts - Tooele County
- Visit Utah - Bonneville Salt Flats