The One Small Town In Utah Where The Entire Town Is Placed On The National Register Of Historic Places
By Courtnie Erickson|Published September 15, 2022
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Courtnie Erickson
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From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Located right along Highway 6 in Juab County is one small town where you’ll feel like you’ve taken a step back in time. Eureka is a historic town west of Santaquin where approximately 700 people live. So, what makes this town unique? Why is it worth a visit? Well, the entire town is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Eureka was established in 1870 as silver and ore were discovered in the area. It was originally known as Ruby Hollow.
This area became one of Utah’s most important mining centers. There were four large mines nearby — Centennial Eureka, Gemini, Eureka Hill, and Bullion Beck and Champion — and thousands of people came to work in the mines. In the early 1900s, Eureka was home to approximately 5,000 people.
Eureka continued to thrive until the late 1950s when water began flooding the mines, declining production and causing many workers to leave town. To help preserve Eureka and its history, in 1979, the entire town was officially placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
As you walk around town, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped decades back in time. Walk down Main Street and you’ll see historic buildings where little has changed.
You can step into the Tintic Mining Museum on Main Street to learn even more about the mining history in the area. You can check out unique exhibits such as old mining tools and historical artifacts.
You can also take a self-guided walking tour to learn about several of Eureka's historic buildings. One building you will pass on this tour is the Juab County Courthouse.
Whether you are a history buff or you just want to explore someplace new in Utah, the small town of Eureka definitely deserves a spot on your list. It’s a small town packed with history!
Have you ever visited Eureka, Utah? Did you know the entire town was placed on the National Register of Historic Places? Let us know in the comments! And, for more information on the town, including accessing the brochure for the self-guided walking tour, visit the city’s website.
Do you love history? Then, you’ll want to check out these historic photos that show what living in Utah was like in the early 1900s.
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