Just Passing Through
The Eden Valley prior to settlement was a thoroughfare for various types of travelers. Evidence of Indian presence such as the Eden Point, one of the oldest types of arrowheads, was discovered by archaeologists along with ancient Indian camps in this area. Jedediah Smith, Thomas Fitzpatrick and William Sublette, mountain men looking for a practical overland route over the Rocky Mountains for the fur trade made the first east west crossing of South Pass in 1824. John C. Fremont surveyed South Pass in 184, mapping the route that would become the Oregon and Mormon Trails. Thousands of pioneers made their way to Oregon, California and Utah on the trail from the 1840s through the 1860s. Pioneer accounts talk of following the Big Sandy to the Green River which would have taken them through Eden Valley. Later the Pony Express arid telegraph lines followed the same route.

From Sagebrush Desert To Alfalfa Fields
Although there were a few attempts at settlement of the area in the 1880’s, the majority of settlers came after a large scale irrigation project under the provision of the Carey Act was financed by John M. Farson, Sons & Company in 1907. Like the Homestead Act, the Carey Act allowed each settler 160 acres of Federal Land, but differed in requiring that they pay fifty cents per acre for the land and $30 per acre for the water right. Payment was due in ten years if they could irrigate at least 20 acres. The sources for irrigation are the Big and Little Sandy Rivers, which begin north in the snow fields of the Wind River Mountain Range.

To attract settlers to the area, the Farson company distributed pamphlets promoting the advantages of farming in the valley. Claims proved to be exaggerated, such as “fruit orchards will thrive and corn will grow higher than a man’s head” and “the growing season in Eden Valley is as delightful as can be found in the country anywhere.”

Lured by the promise of a prosperous new beginning, settlers started coming around 1907. Most traveled on the Union Pacific Railroad to Rock Springs, bringing furniture, farm equipment and even animals with them in emigrant cars. They continued by wagon to Eden Valley. Some of the earliest arrivals lived in tents during their first winter here. Early settler Ivan Dearth summed up the optimism of his neighbors when he said: “I like this place and with reasonable luck can do well here” The Farson irrigation company went bankrupt in 1923. After that, the project had several owners. Finally in 1940, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation took over the irrigation project with a plan to use Civilian Conservation Corps labor to build a dam on the Big Sandy River. World War Two delayed construction until the 1950s when the Big Sandy reservoir and additional canals were completed. The Eden Valley Irrigation and Drainage district was then formed to oversee operation of the project. Flood irrigation was the predominate method used. Besides crop production, other types of agriculture supported area families. Between 1920 and 1960, independent dairymen provided milk to customers in Rock Springs.

Farmers also raised poultry, livestock, and potatoes for the Rock Springs market. To supplement their incomes early residents sometimes found it necessary to work in the coal mines of Rock Springs.

Eden Valley Today
During the 1980s farmers and ranchers were encouraged to change irrigation methods to increase efficiency and reduce salinity in the watershed. Today ranching operations grow hay and small grains to winter livestock or sell throughout the region. Some who are not employed in agriculture work for the school, various government offices and small businesses located here. In recent years increasing numbers of residents who live on small acreages or ranches commute to Rock Springs and Green River to work. Gas exploration nearby provides work for area residents and a boost for the local economy.

Settlers would be proud to know that Eden Valley, almost one hundred years later, is an oasis in the desert, just as they dreamed it would be.

Reprinted from brochure created by The Eden Valley History Project