Welcome!

Grand UTGenWeb is a free genealogical site about the history of the Utah county. It is a member of UTGenWeb, which is a member of USGenWeb®. We hope you find helpful clues for your research of Grand County ancestors.

Are you familiar with the area? Do you have a family tree connection to the area? Please consider contributing your pieces of Grand County family history. Corrections, updates, and additions to this site are always welcome. Our combined efforts can make this a great site for all who visit!

Co-County Coordinator: YOU? If you have a sincere interest in the genealogy of Grand County, and if you are willing to help others along their family history journey, but website maintenance doesn't appeal to you, consider becoming a Co-CC. As Co-CC you would reply to email inquiries, contribute content, monitor the website, .... Contact us to give it a try.

County Coordinator: Rebecca Maloney maloneys7193@gmail.com
State Coordinator: MaryAlice Schwanke greatupnorth@gmail.com

COUNTY FORMATION

Grand County, Utah, was officially founded on March 13, 1890, created from the eastern portion of Emery County. Named after the Grand River (now the Colorado River), the county was established to serve the growing agricultural and ranching communities along the river, with Moab designated as the county seat. Key aspects of Grand County's formation and history include: Early Settlement: Initial efforts to settle the area occurred in 1855 with the Elk Mountain Mission, but early pioneers were driven out by indigenous residents. Permanent settlement took root later, bolstered by the Old Spanish Trail. Geography and Name: The county is situated on the Colorado Plateau, characterized by sandstone and limestone landscapes. It was named for the Grand River before it was renamed the Colorado River. Development: While agriculture and ranching were the initial drivers, the area later experienced a significant population boom during the 1950s uranium rush. Modern Era: Today, Grand County is recognized for its tourism industry, driven by its location near Arches National Park and the Colorado River. The county covers 3,684 square miles and, as of 2024, has an estimated population of 9,788.