But long before Park City became a destination for outdoor athletes and Olympians, it was visited by Brigham Young and Mormon settlers in 1847. Just over 20 years later, amid swirling snow and impending storms, soldiers discovered silver in the mountains, laying the foundation for what would become Park City.

The late 19th century brought significant developments. In 1880, The Park Record was established and Park City received telephone service. The city’s growth continued, and by 1889, the population exceeded 5,000 people. Around that time, it also became one of the first cities in Utah to install electric lights.

However, in 1898, a devastating fire razed 200 structures, leaving 500 people homeless and causing $1 million in property damage. The people of Park City banded together and Old Town was rebuilt in an astonishing 18 months.

The early 20th century witnessed hard times with mining difficulties and economic downturns, especially during the Panic of 1907, when the New York Stock Exchange fell almost 50 percent from its peak the previous year. Yet pioneers like Emmett “Bud” Wright and Fred Hauder led the charge in embracing a new frontier — skiing in the mountains around Park City.

The Great Depression hit the mining industry hard in 1929, but Park City was already exploring a new identity as a winter sports destination. Alf Engen’s ski jump world record in 1931 marked a turning point, and by 1936, the town hosted its first Winter Carnival, attracting hundreds of skiers on the “ski train” from Salt Lake City.

The mining industry experienced its final blow in 1949, leading to the closing of local mines and over a thousand unemployed miners. United Park City Mines emerged in 1958, aiming to develop Treasure Mountain, now Park City Mountain. Skiing gained popularity, drawing newcomers to the area.

Park City solidified its growing reputation as a winter sports mecca in 1995 when Salt Lake City was awarded the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Park City played a significant role in hosting events at Utah Olympic Park, Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain.

The 2002 Olympics marked a pinnacle in Park City’s transformation — a town that began as a Wild West mining outpost and was reinvented into a world-renowned winter sports destination. Old Town, with its historic buildings and charming streets, now welcomes visitors with both nostalgia and modernity.