Garfield, Utah

Garfield, Utah
Name	Garfield
Settlement type	Unincorporated community
Pushpin label position	left
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Utah
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Salt Lake County
Unit pref	Imperial
Elevation ft	4229
Timezone	Mountain (MST)
Utc offset	-7
Timezone DST	MDT
Utc offset DST	-6
Coordinates	40, 46, 00, N...
Area code	385, 801
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	49-28150
Blank1 name	GNIS feature ID
Blank1 info	1441009

Garfield, Utah. Garfield is an unincorporated community located within Salt Lake County in the U.S. state of Utah. Situated on the southwestern shore of the Great Salt Lake, its history and economy have been deeply intertwined with the mining and chemical processing industries. The community is part of the Salt Lake City metropolitan area and lies within the boundaries of the city of Magna, Utah.

History

The area was originally inhabited by bands of the Goshute and Shoshone peoples. Modern settlement began in the late 19th century with the establishment of the Garfield Smelter by the American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO) in 1906, which processed ore from mines in the nearby Oquirrh Mountains. This industrial operation spurred the community's growth, leading to the construction of company housing and infrastructure. The smelter was a major employer for decades and played a significant role in the World War II effort, processing critical metals. Industrial activity later expanded to include facilities operated by Kennecott Utah Copper and the Great Salt Lake Minerals Corporation, focusing on Magnesium production and Potash extraction from the lake.

Geography

Garfield is located on a narrow strip of land between the Oquirrh Mountains to the south and the Great Salt Lake to the north. The terrain is generally flat and arid, part of the larger Great Basin region. The community's shoreline location places it within the unique ecosystem of the Great Salt Lake, known for its high salinity and populations of Brine shrimp and migratory birds like the American white pelican. Major transportation corridors include State Route 202 and rail lines owned by the Union Pacific Railroad.

Demographics

As an unincorporated area, specific demographic data for Garfield is not separately tracked by the United States Census Bureau; it is included within figures for the larger Magna, Utah precinct or Salt Lake County. Historically, the population has been closely tied to the fortunes of local industry, fluctuating with employment at the smelter and chemical plants. The community has historically had a working-class character, with many residents employed in the industrial sector.

Economy

For over a century, the economy has been dominated by heavy industry. The now-closed Garfield Smelter was the cornerstone, followed by the Kennecott Utah Copper smelter in nearby Magna, Utah. Chemical extraction industries, such as those operated by Compass Minerals (successor to Great Salt Lake Minerals Corporation), harvest minerals from the lake for Potash and Sulfate of potash fertilizers. While industrial activity has declined from its mid-20th century peak, these facilities remain significant employers and economic drivers for the wider region.

Education

Residents are served by the Granite School District. Students typically attend schools in the neighboring community of Magna, Utah, such as Cyprus High School. The district also operates several elementary and middle schools in the area. Higher education opportunities are available through institutions in the broader Salt Lake City metropolitan area, including the University of Utah and Salt Lake Community College.

Notable people

While primarily an industrial community, several individuals with ties to the area have gained prominence. These include engineers and managers associated with the American Smelting and Refining Company and Kennecott Utah Copper, as well as athletes and artists who originated from the surrounding Salt Lake County region.

Category:Unincorporated communities in Salt Lake County, Utah Category:Populated places on the Great Salt Lake