Cottonwood, Utah facts for kids

Cottonwood, Utah is a name that has been used for a general area in the Salt Lake Valley. This area is located between two important waterways: Big Cottonwood Creek and Little Cottonwood Creek. It's not a single city or town with clear borders, but rather a historical way to describe a part of the valley. Over time, different communities and landmarks have been linked to the name "Cottonwood."

What is the Cottonwood Area?

The Cottonwood area is a region in Salt Lake County, Utah. It's known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the nearby canyons that lead up to the Wasatch Mountains. While there isn't one official "Cottonwood City," several places in the Salt Lake Valley are connected to this name.

Cities and Places Connected to Cottonwood

Several cities and places in the Salt Lake Valley have historical or geographical ties to the Cottonwood name. These connections show how the area has grown and changed over the years.

Holladay, Utah: A Compromise Name

Holladay, Utah is a city that was once called Holladay-Cottonwood. When it became an official city, its name was a compromise between "Holladay" and "Cottonwood." This shows how important the Cottonwood name was to the people living there.

Cottonwood Heights: The Only City Named Cottonwood

Cottonwood Heights, Utah is a city that includes the southeastern part of the original Cottonwood area. It is the only official city that is actually named "Cottonwood." This city was incorporated to give residents more local control over their community.

Cottonwood Mall: A Center for the Area

The Cottonwood Mall (Utah) is a shopping center that has been a landmark in the area for many years. There have been plans to redevelop the mall, with some people hoping it could become a clear center for the broader Cottonwood region.

Murray, Utah: Expanding Westward

The city of Murray, Utah now includes the western part of the area historically known as Cottonwood. This happened through a process called annexation, where Murray expanded its borders to include nearby communities.

Cottonwood West: A Former Community

Cottonwood West, Utah was once a "census-designated place" within the Cottonwood area. This means it was a community identified by the U.S. Census Bureau but not an officially incorporated city. It no longer exists as a separate place because it was annexed by the city of Murray.

See also

• Cottonwood Canyon (Utah) in Southern Utah