Timeline of Key Events in West Valley

Timeline of Key Events in West Valley (Granger, Hunter, Chesterfield, Redwood) 1847–2025

1847: LDS pioneers arrive in the Salt Lake Valley. Farming and settlement begin in the area that would later become Granger and Hunter.

1849: Permanent settlements established in the Granger area.

1850s–1860s
Irrigation ditches and canals constructed; agriculture becomes the main industry. Early adobe homes built.

1860s
Joseph Fairbourne opens a blacksmith shop at what later becomes Fairbourne Corner (3200 W 3500 S).

1884 (Feb 24)
The original Granger Ward is organized, separating from Taylorsville and Brighton Wards.

Late 1800s
William Monroe builds the area’s first store and carries mail to Granger via horse cart.

1917
Chris Anast opens Granger Market and service station at 2000 W 3500 S.

1943 (Apr 25)
Granger Ward is divided due to growth; Granger 2nd Ward is created.

1947 (Aug 5)
Groundbreaking for new Granger 2nd Ward chapel. Trees planted and site developed.

1949 (Mar 27)
First meetings held in the new Granger 2nd Ward building.

1949 (Apr 30)
First stake-wide baptismal service held in the new chapel.

1955
Granger-Hunter Improvement District established to provide water and sewer services.

1961
Granger-Hunter Community Council is formed.

1963–1964
Rapid residential growth—over 1,600 new utility connections in two years.

1970s
Construction of Valley Fair Mall and major commercial centers begins.

1980 (July 1)
West Valley City is officially incorporated, combining Granger, Hunter, Chesterfield, and Redwood.

1980s–1990s
Boom in population and commercial development; numerous schools, parks, and churches established.

2002
West Valley hosts events for the Salt Lake Winter Olympics (E Center).

2010s
Development of the Fairbourne Station city center project.

2020s
West Valley becomes Utah’s second-largest city with over 135,000 residents