Arcadia Publishing South Davis County History Book

South Davis County is bounded by the majestic Wasatch Mountain Range to the east and the Great Salt Lake to the west. Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington and Kaysville are the major population centers—all originating as early Mormon settlements. Concerned that their livestock might harm new crops and gardens being planted in Salt Lake City, their leader, Brigham Young, sent herds of cattle, mules and horses north to graze along the lakeshore in 1847. Small farming communities established the following spring supplied goods and produce to the growing populations of Salt Lake City to Ogden. Organized as Davis County in 1850, Farmington was the center of government. Railroad service, established in 1870, allowed the farmers and ranchers to reach markets within hours of harvesting. And in 1956, a six-foot pipeline was completed, delivering water from the Weber River to the communities along the front. Rapid expansion has resulted, but the pioneer spirit still prevails.