Midway's Rich History
​Midway, Utah, nestled in the picturesque Heber Valley, boasts a rich history that adds depth and charm to its breathtaking landscapes.
This quaint mountain town, known for its Swiss heritage and vibrant community spirit, offers a unique blend of cultural and historical experiences. From its origins as a settlement for Swiss immigrants to its role in hosting major Winter Olympic events, Midway's past is as captivating as its natural beauty. Explore the fascinating stories and landmarks that have shaped this enchanting town and discover why Midway is a cherished gem in Utah's historical tapestry.​​
The Settlement of Midway, Utah 1824 - The first Anglo-Americans visit the area just east of Mount Timpanogos. They were members of a fur-trapping brigade led by Etienne Provost. For many years, the valley was referred to as Provo or upper Provo; the river running south through the valley still bears the name of that explorer but the town became known as Midway City.
1849 - Conflicts with the Utes and other Native American tribes began as settlers continued to encroach on tribal lands. During the Black Hawk War of 1865-1867, the upper and lower settlements moved to where Midway is now. The two settlements were called “Fort Midway” (the halfway point between the two communities). The Swiss had several centuries of self-governing experience which resulted in the Swiss taking a strong roll in Midway government.
Early 1850s - Sawmills were built with three main operators: Henry T. Coleman, John Watkins, and Moroni Blood.
1858 - A wagon road was completed through the Provo Canyon. The two small settlements of Heber and Mound City by Wasatch Mountain State Park reached an agreement to build a fort halfway (or midway) between the two existing communities. This was the beginning of the modern-day mountain town Midway.
April 1859 - The families of Sidney and Mary Jane Epperson, Benjamin Mark and Elizabeth Smith, Jeremiah and Rith Robey, David and Catherine Wood and Jessie Amanda McCarrell followed a new wagon road into this high mountain valley. They saw a beautiful grove of cottonwood trees next to a creek and built their homes nearby, they called Smith's Grove. These families were faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who had joined other fellow believers and traveled to the Salt Lake Valley in 1852 and settled in American Fork. Less than seven years later, they came to settle the Valley in response to a call from their Prophet Brigham Young.
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By 1861 - 50 families had arrived in these settlements. During this time, the area became known as Mound City because of the limestone formations that were created by the hot springs in the area. John H. Van Wagoner constructed the first commercial gristmill. Soon followed retail stores, one of which was the Bonner Mercantile Store (now Midway Mercantile Restaurant). Later other retail stores were built by Henry T. Coleman and Simon Epperson.
By 1890 - Midway was a thriving rural community and in 1891 the citizens organized a civic government and incorporated as the Town of Midway. The principal occupation in Midway was “farmer” or “farm laborer”, but other trades developed to support the necessities of daily living to include: carpenters, masons, brick makers, blacksmiths, gristmills, sawmills, lime kilns, quarries, ice storage and stores.
1858-1868 - Logs from the white pines of the Wasatch Mountains were the first building materials used. One of the structures that dates back from this period is the John Watkins home (22 West 100 South, Midway), an English builder and architect, built as an American adaptation of the simple English cottage of his homeland. This home has been altered but retains its central passage plan and the three chimneys, one for each of his three wives, still stands today.
1866 - Indian hostilities grew and territorial governor Brigham Young encouraged settlers to construct forts for protection. The two small settlements reached an agreement to build a fort midway between the two existing communities, thus the beginning of our modern day town name, Midway.
1860s and 1870s - A large number of Swiss families arrived with names such as Gertsch, Huber, Kohler, Probst, Zenger, Durtschi, and Abegglen, among others. Some of these family names are still found in Midway today.
1869-1890 - Single family residences of one-story or one and one-half stories are constructed with side-gabled roofs and hand-formed brick and stones being the most common building materials. The local “pot rock,” a porous limestone made from the minerals found in geothermal waters that run below and through Midway, was a popular building material that is part of existing homes and fences through Midway today. Styles ranged from Gothic Revival to Classic Revival (Greek Revival) with the cluster of four homes at the intersection of 100 South and 100 West in Midway sharing these features.
1880s - The many hot water springs or ‘hot pots’ in the Midway area resulted in several resorts being developed including Schneitter’s Hot Pots (now Homestead Resort) and Luke’s Hot Pots (now Ameyalli Resort).
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1887- May 4th, The First Midway Irrigation Company Meeting was held. Over 70 people attended the first meeting, officially creating the company and beginning to forge ahead providing needed water to the growing agricultural demands of the valley.
1891-1916 - Midway was incorporated June 1, 1891. Single family residences continued to be constructed as the town's population grew.
1930s and 1940s - Important civic improvements were made during this time. A concrete sidewalk program began in 1938, and the Midway Recreation Center (now known as Midway Town Hall) was dedicated in June 1941 which is used to this day for many community events including the famous Swiss Days Festival held each fall over Labor Day weekend.
1947 - Midway Swiss Days (originally called Harvest Days) was established through the efforts of Luke’s Hot Pots Resort owners, Joseph B. and Pauline S. Erwin, and a number of local enthusiastic supporters.
That group of local supporters then became a club known today as the Midway Boosters. This group continues to play a big role in many city improvement projects and area activities. Learn more about the history of Midway Swiss Days.