County History & Historic Sites
From Rails to Rockets
Box Elder County's story spans thousands of years, from the Shoshone homeland and pioneer settlements to the spot where the nation's first transcontinental railroad was completed. Less than a century later, rocket motors built just miles away helped launch the Space Shuttle. Much of that history is still here to see, from Main Street in Brigham City to the open desert at Promontory.
Quick Facts
County Founded
1856
County Seat
Brigham City
Golden Spike
May 10, 1869
Peach Days
Since 1904
County Fair
Since 1925
Rails to Rockets
Sites 8 miles apart
Historic Sites to Visit
The first settlers arrived along Box Elder Creek in 1851, building a small fort for protection. In 1856, the territorial legislature created Box Elder County and named Brigham City its county seat. Under the leadership of Lorenzo Snow, the town became known for its cooperative movement, with dozens of community-owned businesses, from a woolen mill to a tannery.
Then the railroad arrived. In 1869, the Union Pacific and Central Pacific lines met at Promontory Summit, and the boomtown of Corinne sprang up almost overnight. Those two stories, pioneer and railroad, shaped the county you see today.
The Stories That Shaped Box Elder
Native Heritage
Thousands of years · Shoshone homeland
People have lived here for thousands of years, and the Shoshone called this land home long before settlers arrived. The Treaty of Box Elder was signed in Brigham City in 1863, and the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation is still headquartered in the county today.
Pioneers & the Cooperative
1851 onward · Brigham City
Settlers arrived in 1851, and under Lorenzo Snow, Brigham City built one of the West's most successful cooperatives, with dozens of community-owned businesses. It became a model for cooperative communities across Utah.
The Railroad
1869 · Promontory & Corinne
The last spike of the first transcontinental railroad was driven at Promontory Summit on May 10, 1869. The rails also gave rise to Corinne, the wild "Gentile Capital of Utah," and honored thousands of Chinese workers who built the line.
Farms & Orchards
1850s onward · Bear River Valley & the Fruit Way
Peach orchards made Brigham City famous, while settlers from Nebraska and Germany founded Tremonton and Garland and built a thriving sugar beet industry. Agriculture still shapes the county today.
World War II
1940s · Brigham City
Bushnell General Military Hospital treated thousands of wounded soldiers in Brigham City during the war, and Helen Keller visited the troops there. Garland's Gail Halvorsen became famous as the "Candy Bomber" of the Berlin Airlift.
Rockets & Space
1950s onward · Promontory
About a century after the Golden Spike, rocket motors built near Promontory helped launch the Space Shuttle. Today, the Rocket Garden displays rockets just miles from where the rails were joined.
Box Elder Traditions
September
PEACH DAYS
Utah's oldest harvest festival, held since 1904. Parades, a car show, live music and plenty of peaches on Main Street.
Late Summer
COUNTY FAIR & GOLDEN SPIKE RODEO
A tradition since 1925. Livestock shows, 4-H exhibits, carnival rides and a rodeo that sells out every year.
May 10
GOLDEN SPIKE CELEBRATION
The anniversary of the Last Spike at Promontory. Steam locomotives and a ceremony mark the day the rails were joined.
July
HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS
Fourth of July and Pioneer Day bring parades, fireworks and car shows to towns across the county.
Historic Sites to Visit
Golden Spike National Historical Park
Stand where the transcontinental railroad was completed, see replica steam locomotives and drive along the original rail grade.
Box Elder Tabernacle
Begun in 1865 and rebuilt after an 1896 fire, the tabernacle's Gothic spires are Brigham City's most recognizable landmark. The grounds are open to visitors.
Box Elder County Courthouse & GI Joe Statue
In use since 1857, it's the only courthouse the county has ever had. On the lawn, a nearly nine-foot bronze soldier dedicated in 1947 honors the county's war dead.
Academy Building
Brigham City is the hometown of the Christensen brothers, dance pioneers who helped found Ballet West and staged America's first full-length Nutcracker. The historic Academy Building is part of that legacy.
Corinne Methodist Episcopal Church
This 1870 church is considered the oldest existing Protestant church building in Utah and now houses a local history museum, a reminder of Corinne's railroad boom days.
Rocket Garden
Walk among full-size rockets and space technology outside Northrop Grumman's facility, near the turnoff to Golden Spike.
Before You Go
START ON MAIN STREET
The tabernacle, courthouse and GI Joe statue are within a few blocks in downtown Brigham City, perfect for a self-guided walking tour.
VISIT THE MUSEUM
The Brigham City Museum of Art & History is a great place to learn the local story before heading out.
PAIR RAILS & ROCKETS
Golden Spike and the Rocket Garden are just minutes apart. Plan a half day to see both.
RESPECT ACTIVE BUILDINGS
The courthouse is a working government office, and the tabernacle is an active place of worship. Visit during posted hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit: A Day of History
MORNING · Brigham City Walk Main Street to see the Box Elder Tabernacle, the historic courthouse and the GI Joe statue, then stop by the Brigham City Museum of Art & History.
MIDDAY · Corinne Head west to Corinne and see its 1870 Methodist church, a reminder of the town's wild railroad boom days.
AFTERNOON · Promontory Stand where the rails were joined at Golden Spike National Historical Park, then visit the Rocket Garden just minutes away.
EVENING · Back to Brigham City Return for dinner on Main Street and stay the night.