South Jordan, Utah

South Jordan is situated in the south-central portion of Salt Lake County in the northern part of the US State of Utah. The city has 5.6 km of the Jordan River Parkway, featuring several parks, fishing ponds, trails, and natural habitats. Initially established in 1859 by Mormon settlers as an agricultural town, South Jordan rapidly grew as a bedroom community of the adjacent Salt Lake City. South Jordan is also the world's first municipality to house two temples of the Latter-day Saints: the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple and the Jordan River Utah Temple.

Geography And Climate Of South Jordan

Panorama frame striking Wasatch Mountains and South Jordan City in Utah during winter season.

Forming a part of the Salt Lake City Metropolitan Area, South Jordan is situated in the picturesque Salt Lake Valley, along the Jordan River banks, between the Oquirrh Mountains and the Wasatch Mountains. South Jordan covers a total area of 57.77 sq. km, of which 57.54 sq. km is occupied by land, and 0.23 sq. km is covered by water. The city is located approximately 35 km from Salt Lake City, 51 km from Provo, and 5.2 km from Sandy. The relative flatness of the city is primarily due to the lacustrine sediments of the ancient Lake Bonneville. The city's elevation currently ranges from 1,300 m near the Jordan River to 1,600 m at the base of the Oquirrh Mountains. South Jordan experiences hot, dry summers and snowy winters.

History Of South Jordan

South Jordan, Utah, City Hall. Image Credit: David Sallay, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

While there is no known Native American settlement around the time of European settlement in the 1840s, the area was close to the territory of the Shoshone, the Timpanogos, and the Goshutes. The first recorded European in what is now South Jordan was Etienne Provost, a trapper. The first Mormon settlers arrived in 1847, escaping persecution in the east. Canadian Alexander Beckstead and Scot Archibald Gardner founded what is now South Jordan in 1859. The town got its name from the Jordan River, which flows along the town.

The town then developed in the ensuing decades as an agricultural center. Electricity arrived in the area in 1914, which prompted a large celebration. The LDS Church naturally increased its influence over the area, and South Jordan became the world's first municipality to house two LDS temples. During the 1990s, South Jordan transformed into a bedroom community of the nearby Salt Lake City, hosting many of the latter city's residents and workers. The city became more accommodating to the service industry and, as a result, has been growing steadily ever since.

The Population Of South Jordan

Oquirrh Mountain Temple, South Jordan, Utah, at sunset.

According to the latest US Census, South Jordan has a population of 77,487 inhabitants. Approximately 84% of the city is white, 2.6% are mixed race, and 1% of residents are black. 7.1% of the population also consider themselves Latino. South Jordan has a high religious population of 75%. Roughly 61% of South Jordan's religious residents identify with the Mormon Church, and 9% identify with Catholicism. The religious population of the city almost entirely follows Christianity to some degree. However, approximately 1.1% of South Jordan identify with a non-Christian faith, with Judaism, Islam, and other eastern faiths making up the bulk of that population.

Attractions In And Around South Jordan

Lakeside wildlife including brush and flowers at a park in South Jordan, Utah.

Marine life enthusiasts can visit the Loveland Living Aquarium, while history enthusiasts can visit the Gale Center of History and Culture. Families can have fun at Mulligans Golf and Games and the Airborne Trampoline Park. Lastly, there is Labyrinth, a games and entertainment center filled with obstacle courses, escape rooms, arcade machines, and many more.

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