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Wasatch Island, Utah

The story of Wasatch Island begins with its founder, Joseph Brigham Young, in 1937. Just out of high school, Joseph was given an early inheritance from his wealthy parents. This was the only inheritance he would ever receive and he was to use it to make something of himself.

Joseph took a gamble and purchased Wasatch Island. Situated in the Great Salt Lake, the rocky, grass covered island had been rumored to contain precious metals for decades, although none had ever been found. It took four years, but by 1941, Wasatch Island was producing copper ore. Workers lived in barracks and no town existed. Being an urbanist at heart, Joseph wanted this to change, but lacked the funds to do so.

With American entry into WWII, he would get his chance. The government made a significant investment to increase the island's copper production, which included funds for a town. The design for an earlier company town, Boulder City, NV, would be reused to allow construction to proceed faster.

After the war, Wasatch Island began a period of decline, and by 1970, was a shadow of its former self. Now middle aged, Joseph had become concerned about his legacy. Using his own wealth, he diversified the island's economy by funding a trade school, and by engaging in two joint ventures, one with oil man George Bush, and one with the Intel corporation. This brought computer chip manufacturing to the island.

A tourist boom in the 90's further boosted the economy, and now, in 2021, the future of Wasatch looks bright.

Note: Although you can't see it, almost all the undeveloped land is covered by high vegetation.