Water, Wells, and Community: How Early Farmers Transformed Hunter-Granger’s Landscape
Irrigation Farming and Community Growth in Hunter-Granger, 1880–1916
The transformation of the Hunter-Granger area from harsh, dry farmland to a thriving agricultural community was propelled by the arrival of vital irrigation infrastructure in the late 19th century. While farming west of the Jordan River was once considered nearly impossible due to lack of water, the completion of the North Jordan Canal in 1877 marked a turning point. Shortly thereafter, in 1881, the Utah and Salt Lake Canal was constructed west of Granger, opening up new opportunities for farmers in what would become Hunter.
Despite these advancements, early settlers still faced considerable challenges with water access. Drinking water was scarce, and residents often transported barrels of water from the river or dug shallow, contaminated surface wells. The difficulty of securing clean water kept land prices low on the west side of the valley, making it one of the few affordable areas for newlywed couples starting their lives. Indeed, many early Granger families recorded arriving the day after their weddings, settling the land despite its hardships.
By the 1880s, technological progress allowed farmers to drill deeper wells, producing clean, reliable water supplies. This innovation greatly improved living conditions, encouraging a population boom that saw the community grow by over 500% in just two decades. Reflecting this growth, the small frame school built in the early 1880s was replaced in 1893 by a larger brick building, prompted by a remarkable 79% increase in student enrollment — far outpacing Salt Lake City’s growth at the time. Hunter residents also built a new brick schoolhouse in 1891, replaced by even larger schools in the early 1900s as the community expanded.
The 1890s heralded a period of prosperity for local farmers. The fertile land yielded abundant crops, eggs, and butter, which were regularly delivered to Salt Lake City customers. Hay from the Hunter-Granger area also enjoyed steady demand. Supporting this agricultural economy were local businesses such as Joseph Fairbourn’s blacksmith shop, which added scales to weigh farm loads, and Frederick Bangerter’s flour mill established in 1892. The area was also home to Winder Dairy, a premier dairy producer, and the Fassio egg farm — vital contributors to the region’s agrarian identity.
Yet, the bounty came with new challenges. The heavy clay soil and abundant irrigation water caused poor drainage, bringing alkali salts and minerals to the surface that damaged crops and killed most planted trees, except for the resilient native Silver Poplar. Low-lying areas turned into swamps, with four shallow alkali lakes forming across the farmland. Some farmers abandoned their damaged fields, but many others banded together to dig open drainage ditches, a cooperative effort that restored the land’s viability. Workers were paid fifty cents an hour to dig the major drains, which connected to individual farm drains, improving the entire community’s agricultural productivity.
This spirit of cooperation extended beyond drainage. Toward the century’s end, local farmers collectively purchased threshers to harvest grain efficiently. Neighbors worked together, moving from farm to farm until the entire community’s grain was gathered, exemplifying the unity and resilience that defined the early Hunter-Granger settlers.
Through innovation, cooperation, and determination, the Hunter-Granger area overcame natural hardships to lay the foundation for a prosperous farming community that shaped the region’s history for decades to come.
Completion of the North Jordan Canal in 1877, making farming viable in Granger.
Completion of the Utah and Salt Lake Canal in 1881 west of Granger (Hunter area).
Early farmers faced significant water issues — drinking water had to be carried by barrels or drawn from poor, often contaminated surface wells.
Land west of the Jordan River remained less desirable and cheaper compared to the east side.
Many newlywed couples moved directly to the Granger area due to affordable land.
In the 1880s, farmers began drilling deeper wells for clean water, improving living conditions.
Population increased by over 500% in the following 20 years.
In 1893, a larger brick school replaced a small frame school in Granger due to a 79% increase in school enrollment.
Hunter also built a new brick schoolhouse in 1891, later replaced by larger schools in the early 1900s.
The 1890s brought greater prosperity; farmers sold produce, eggs, butter, and hay regularly to Salt Lake City customers.
Joseph Fairbourn operated a blacksmith shop with scales for weighing farmer’s loads and added a small store.
Frederick Bangerter’s flour mill opened in 1892.
Winder Dairy became a premier dairy, and Fassio operated a successful egg farm.
Soil drainage problems arose due to heavy clay soil trapping irrigation water, bringing alkali salts to the surface and killing crops.
Most trees died except native Silver Poplars; low areas became swamps and formed four shallow alkali lakes.
Some farmers abandoned their farms, others cooperated to dig open drainage ditches to remove excess water.
Men were paid fifty cents an hour to dig these large drainage ditches.
Farmers connected individual drains to community drainage systems, reviving farmland viability.
Community cooperation led to shared use of threshers to harvest grain across farms.
Irrigation and Prosperity: Farming and Building in Hunter–Granger (1880–1916)
The arrival of irrigation canals in the late 19th century transformed the once arid farmland west of the Jordan River into productive fields, bringing new prosperity and reshaping the face of the Hunter–Granger area. This era of growth and agricultural success is still visible today in the historic farmhouses and outbuildings that stand as reminders of the determination and ingenuity of these early farming families.
With reliable water, farmers expanded their crops beyond dry grains, cultivating orchards, hay fields, and vegetable gardens. This increase in productivity was matched by the construction of sturdier, more refined homes. Of the 139 homes from this period that survive today, seventy-one retain their historic integrity. Brick became the material of choice for many, not necessarily because it was more common at the start, but because its durability has protected these homes from the passage of time and the temptation of modern alterations.
The earliest homes of this irrigation boom include classic hall/parlor houses—a simple yet practical layout well-suited to early settlers. As families prospered, many expanded their dwellings with additions like crosswings or transitioned to more elaborate Victorian-era designs such as central blocks with projecting bays and foursquares. Toward the end of this era (1910–1916), the popular American bungalow style appeared in the area. Many of these charming homes were also built of brick, though some surviving examples still show their original wood drop siding.
Among these historic dwellings are several standouts: two Temple-form houses, rare for the region and both retaining excellent integrity (located at 6108 W. 3500 S. and 5741 W. 3500 S.), a unique double house moved from Salt Lake City in 1909 to 3880 S. 6400 W., and a striking Queen Anne central block with projecting bays at 7319 W. 3500 S.
The success of these farms is also reflected in the outbuildings and farmsteads that remain. Coops, granaries, and barns—often simple wood structures—tell the story of a time when families raised chickens, kept dairy cows, and stored hay and grain to support both family and community needs. The finest example of a complete farmstead from this era is found at 5742 W. 3500 S., where a handsome brick bungalow sits alongside five well-preserved outbuildings, surrounded by orchards, pasture, fields, and stately historic trees.
Despite the area’s growth, Hunter–Granger remained predominantly rural, and there were few commercial or community buildings during this time. Schools and churches were constructed to serve these farming families, but none have survived. The lone public building from this era still standing is the Hunter Market at 5303 W. 3500 South—a rare commercial landmark of a time when residents depended on local shops for daily necessities.
Perhaps most symbolic of this period is 3500 South itself. Though it wasn’t paved yet, it quickly became the main artery through Granger and Hunter, connecting the farms to Magna and beyond. Today, twenty buildings from this time period remain along 3500 South—more than any other stretch—making it a living corridor of the irrigation farming era.
Together, these homes, barns, and market buildings stand as testaments to the industrious spirit that irrigation unlocked west of the Jordan River—a legacy that shaped the character and community ties that still run deep in West Valley City today.