Provo illustrated

Population: 105,439 (2000 census)

Median income: $50,400

Major employers: Brigham Young University, Nu Skin Enterprises, Novell, Utah County

Area: 43 sq. miles

Elevation: 4,540 feet above sea level

Points of interest: Utah Lake, Sundance Ski Resort, Seven Peaks Resort and Ice Arena

Events of interest: America's Freedom Festival at Provo, Winterfest

Bordered by Utah Lake and the majestic Mount Timpanogos, Provo provides a variety of opportunities for recreation and leisure. Zion, Arches and Bryce Canyon national parks are all within driving distance. In addition there are many city and canyon parks, museums, and one of the nation's largest Fourth of July celebrations.

According to John Clifton Moffitt in "The Story of Provo, Utah," LDS Church President Brigham Young directed Mormon pioneers to settle the area in the spring of 1849. John S. Higbee led 33 families (150 people) from Salt Lake City to the Provo area in a rugged three-day trek. On April 3, 1849, the pioneers started construction of a fort on the south bank of the Provo River three miles east of Utah Lake. In 1850, the settlers moved east toward higher ground, and blocks of four acres were surveyed and divided into parcels for home sites.

Provo became the county seat for Utah County on Jan. 31, 1850.