History

To know Alta, it helps to know it's rich history. For a timeline of significant events, click here to see The Alta Historical Society's website.

The first verified silver claim in Alta was staked in 1865. By 1872, eight thousand seasonal residents lived in the unincorporated Town of Alta, which had grown to 180 buildings, 26 of which were reportedly saloons. In 1873, population and activity declined due to numerous economic factors. New discoveries made in 1904 prompted a second mining boom that eventually dwindled out with the onset of the depression in 1927.

In 1937 "Mayor George Watson deeds 1800 acres of surface rights to the U.S. Forest Service for development of a ski area. The first Collins lift was constructed in 1938 out of pieces of old aerial mining tram. As home to the second chairlift in US history, Alta played a major role in the creation of the modern day ski resort model. Skiing remains the main industry in the Town as Alta Ski Area remains a top destination.

The Town of Alta was incorporated in 1970. Lee Bronson was appointed as first president of the Town. In 1972, Bill Levitt became the first elected president and the first Alta Planning Commission is appointed. In the early 1970s, a sewer line was installed the length of Little Cottonwood Canyon. The Town established an emergency dispatch center to provide support for the Alta Marshal's Office. The Alta Justice Court began operation in 1975; the first justice court in Alta since the 1870s.

In 1978 Alta developed its first state-approved culinary water system, providing town water through the Bay City Mine tunnel. The Alta Fire Station was completed to house the volunteer fire department.

In 1981, the Alta Defense Fund, a non-profit organization, formed to assist the Town's efforts to manage growth. Later, the group incorporated as The Friends of Alta. Priorities include preservation of Alta's environment and heritage, protection of the watershed, and acquisition of lands in Albion Basin to remove them from unnecessary development.