Statistics & Facts
The population of Payson is approximately 14,951 (2002). The
approximate number of families is 2,659 (1990). The amount
of land area in Payson is 14.637 sq. kilometers.
The amount of surface water is 0 sq kilometers.
Payson is positioned 40.03 degrees north of the equator
and 111.72 degrees west of the prime meridian.
Payson elevation is 4,648 feet above sea level.
Location Payson
location: in the Utah County area, just south Provo on
Interstate 15.
Climate & Weather
The climate for Payson is Moderate.
There are approximately 10 to 20 inches of snow each
year with much more in the mountain areas.
Payson average annual rainfall is 16 inches per year
Payson average temperature is (January) 21
(July) 83 degrees F.
History & History Related Items
Payson history
The city was named for James Pace and founded in 1850
on the banks of Peteetneet Creek. The first spelling was Pacen, but that
was changed when the community was incorporated to Payson.
Peteetneet was also an early
name for the area after a local Indian Chief, Peteetneet,
and his people. The downtown business area has been renovated with a turn
of the century motif. Payson is the gateway to many
surrounding outdoor recreational areas.
The founding of Payson: October, 1850
The incorporation date of Payson: 21 January 1853
Payson Attractions
Mount Nebo Scenic Loop Call (801) 785-3563 for information.
The road reaches elevations of 8,000 fet and beautiful
vistas. Four campgrounds are on the trail. The road is open
May through October. Cross-country skiers and snowmobilers
are allowed use of the area during the winter.
75th Annual Payson Golden Onion Days. Call (801) 465-0533
for more information. Fireworks, flower and art shows and
lots of other fun activities.
Annual Scottish Festival
Payson is famous for its annual Scottish Festival held each
year during the 2nd weekend in July. Featured are Scottish
games, contests, competitions in dance and on the pipes,
vendors, Scottish food and entertainment. It is one of the
best celebrations in Payson.
The Ute Indian Chief, "BlackHawk," is buried at the
BlackHawk Memorial Park 2 miles south of Payson. He was a
key figure in Utah's BLACKHAWK WAR of 1865-1872. His bones
were dug up by miners in 1917 and he was on display at the
LDS CHURCH HISTORY MUSEUM IN Salt Lake City until 1997 when
he was re-buried in the land of his fathers - the land he
protected and loved! REST IN PEACE.
Visit the Museuum at Peteetneet
Academy
for the Arts located at 10 South 600 East. The beautifully
landscaped grounds add asthetic beauty to one of the most
attractive schools in Utah. Named for Chief Peteetneet, who
lived on the banks of Peteetneet Creek, the Museum now
houses 8 rooms of local History, a fascinating
communications room, a costume/clothing room, A school room
and a fine arts gallery which features a different artist
monthly. A must-see-while-you’re-in-PAYSON! Hours 9-4 Monday
thru Friday Visit the Ashley National Forest Information
booth