Payson’s original name was Peteetneet until August 1852 when it was changed to Pacen in honor of one of the first settlers James Pace and his sons. A few months later the spelling was changed to Payson.
Brigham Young selected three families to settle along the banks of Peteetneet Creek in the fall of 1850.
Did you know that Payson’s population swells by nearly 10,000 people during summer celebrations? Some of the more popular summer events include a Scottish Festival complete with Highlander games, the very popular Salmon Supper that features fresh salmon cooked over fruitwood of nearby orchards, and the Golden Onion Days festival, the largest Labor Day celebration in Utah.
Did you know that you can drink pure, cool, mountain spring water just by turning on a water tap? The vast majority of Payson’s drinking water comes from springs in Payson Canyon and does not require chemical treatment or filtration.
Did you know that every Sunday evening during the summer months you can attend a free band concert in Memorial Park? The concerts began in 1911 and continue more than 100 years later. People come from near and far to renew acquaintances, share homemade treats and listen to the band.
Did you know that Payson’s historic Main Street can be seen in numerous movies and television programs? Payson was incorporated in 1853 and many turn of the century buildings remain in the historic district. Movies like Footloose, the Benji series and television programs such as Touched by an Angel, just to name a few, were filmed in Payson together with many television commercials.
Did you know that Payson Canyon is designated as a national scenic byway? The Nebo Loop is one of eight national scenic byways and begins in the gateway city of Payson and winds through the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest providing stunning views of Utah Valley, the Wasatch Mountains, and 11,928-foot Mount Nebo.
