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Utah’s House District 59 is a unique blend of rugged alpine landscapes, rich pioneer history, and a modern, high-growth culture. Spanning parts of Wasatch and Summit counties—often referred to as the “Wasatch Back”—this district serves as the vital geographic and cultural bridge between the urban Wasatch Front and the mountain interior.

Geography: The High Divide

District 59 is defined by its dramatic elevation and vital role as Utah’s “Water Tower.”

• Mountain Peaks: The area is dominated by the western slope of the Uintas and the eastern crags of the Wasatch Range. It houses many of Utah’s highest peaks, including the unmistakable glacier-touched Mount Timpanogos.
  
• The Headwaters: The district is the source of four major Utah rivers—the Weber, Provo, Bear, and Duchesne. Its geography is punctuated by critical reservoirs like Jordanelle, Deer Creek, and Strawberry, which sustain the population of the entire Wasatch Front.
  
• Connectivity: Historically known as the “Crossroads of the West,” it contains the natural corridors like Echo Canyon that have hosted everything from pioneer trails and the Transcontinental Railroad to today’s Interstate 80.

History: From Trappers to Tech

The district’s history is a story of resilience and transformation.

• Native Heritage: Long before European settlement, the Timpanogos Nation used the high valleys as essential summer hunting grounds. The word “Wasatch” itself is a Ute term meaning “mountain pass.”
  
• Pioneer Grit: Settled in the late 1850s, towns like Heber City and Midway were established by LDS converts, many from Great Britain and Switzerland. This Swiss influence is still visible in Midway’s architecture and culture, giving the area the nickname “Utah’s Switzerland.” Early mining and history can be appreciated after a reading of this great history of our backyard.
  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1stNi9J-vXjRGhM53AvBAYlDhxGRuxQ_e/view?usp=sharing
  
• The Silver Boom: The discovery of silver in the 1870s transformed the region from a quiet agricultural “back valley” into a global industrial hub, with Park City’s mines fueling the growth and wealth of the entire state.

Culture: A “Citizen-Statesman” Spirit

Today, the culture of District 59 is a sophisticated mix of traditional rural values and world-class recreation.

• Independent & Engaged: The district is home to a highly educated and civically active population. Voters here are known for a “mountain independence” that values local control, fiscal responsibility, and government transparency.
  
• Stewardship Focus: There is a deep-seated cultural commitment to stewardship. Residents are intensely protective of their watersheds and open spaces, balancing the pressures of being a global outdoor destination with the need to preserve the quiet, rural character of their home.
  
• Rapid Growth: As one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation, the district is at the forefront of Utah’s most pressing policy debates: housing affordability, infrastructure, and the preservation of a legacy for the next generation.

For Delegates and Voters: District 59 isn’t just a place on a map; it is the frontline of Utah’s future. It requires leadership that understands both the weight of its 150-year heritage and the technical demands of its 21st-century growth.