West Valley City, Utah


West Valley City is located in the north-central part and is the second largest city in the U.S. State of Utah. The Crossroads of the West. West Valley City was named for its location in west Salt Lake Valley and is located just 15 minutes southwest of downtown Salt Lake City and is a suburb of Salt Lake City. You will find the Maverik Center here which served as the main venue for the ice hockey events during the 2002 Winter Olympics.

West Valley City is a diverse community and about 45% of the residents are immigrants. The city has many parks, 2 golf courses, and here you will find various shops and souvenir shops with authentic Native American items.



To See And To Do In West Valley City


  • The Maverik Center
  • Native American Trading Post
  • The Utah Cultural Celebration Center
  • The Family Fitness Center
  • Hale Centre Theatre
  • Valley Fair Shopping Center


History Of West Valley City - Timeline


In 1776, Silvestre Vélez de Escalante from Spain was the first European to explore the area. In 1824, a man named John Chugg visited the area. In 1843 and 1845, the U.S. Army officer John C. Frémont explored the area. In 1846, the Donner Party, a group of 87 American pioneers, traveled through the area.

In 1848, Joseph and Susanna Harker came to West Valley City and established the first settlement. In 1849, Dan Jones, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, came to the site and seven families now lived in the area. In 1853, a fort with thick walls of rock was built to protect the settlers against Indian attacks.

In 1918, the first paved street was built. In 1930, about 1000 people lived in what is now West Valley City. In 1958, the first bank opened and the high school Granger opened. In 1964, the Valley West Hospital opened. In 1970, the Valley Fair Shopping Center opened.

In 1975, Ted Bundy was arrested in West Valley City. In 1980, West Valley City was incorporated. In 1997, E Center, now Maverik Center, opened. In 2002, the Maverik Center was the official venue for men's and women's ice hockey during the Olympic Winter Games.