Ogden, with an estimated population of 77,226 residents, is the seat of Weber County, Utah. Established as the first European settlement in the state of Utah, it was originally named Fort Buenaventura and founded by trapper Miles Goodyear in 1846. In 1847, the Fort was purchased by Mormon settlers for $1,950. After the First Transcontinental Railroad was joined at the nearby Promontory Summit in 1869, Ogden became a major passenger railroad junction for east/west travel.
The citizens of Ogden cherish their frontier beginnings, evident by the yearly celebration Ogden Pioneer Days, which is comprised of sometimes month-long activities and a week of carnival, rodeo, and other cultural events. Traces of the West is an event that takes place for a full month, much to the enjoyment of both locals and visitors of Ogden. Held in historic locations like the Ogden Blue on 25th Street, the event showcases and offers sales of western art.
Collective pride in the history and cultural significance of the town is also manifesting itself in downtown Ogden, with an active renaissance for economic and community development projects. Planners and investors have created a vital residential, economic and cultural center for residents and visitors to experience. Other areas of the city offer a variety of performances, outdoor recreation locations, events and exhibitions of art, history and local culture. Such venues include Peery's Egyptian Theatre, Ogden/Weber Municipal Building, Eccles Avenue Historic District, Ogden Utah Temple, Snowbasin Ski Area, and the Ice Sheet curling venue.
