Local History - Timeline

1859, Spring ~ Logan was first settled by three groups of Mormon pioneers in the spring of 1859 : the David Reese Company, the John P. Wright Company, and the Ralph Smith Company. 31

1859, Spring ~ Esaias Edward built the first sawmill in Cache Valley. The upright saw was run by water power furnished by a stream taken from Blacksmith Fork . Hezekiah Thatcher and Joel Ricks erected the first water driven mill in Logan. 

1859, July 10 ~ A meeting was held to organize the people, decide the boundaries of the settlement and to give it a name in order to receive the mail. In the meeting John AP. Wright named the town Logan after the Logan River and an Indian Chief. 23, 31, 46, 57, 59

1859, July ~ John P. Wright, leader of the companies, laid out Fort Logan in Mid-July 1859. The early pioneers constructed their cabins in two rows, facing each other along present day Center Street and extending westward for two blocks. Four patrol men stood guard at night to protect the settlers from the Indians. The log cabins had dirt roofs and floors and there are some early accounts that recall taking umbrellas to bed to keep the rain off. 6, 22, 46, 47, 49, 51, 53

1859, July 27 ~ The first settlers of Logan drew lots for their land. They began at once to plow and prepare the land for crops. The stakes which set off the boundaries and the two main streets were located by means of a compass and the North Star. 22, 31, 46, 47, 49, 51

1859, November 14 ~ A ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Logan was organized with William B. Preston as bishop and George AL. Farrell as the clerk. It was organized by Apostles Ezra T. Benson and Orson Hyde, with Peter Maughan assisting. 59

1859, November 14 ~ General Chauncey West of Ogden organized the Logan Militia with Israel J. Clark as major. 23, 31

1859, December ~ Cache Valley contained six small settlements : Wellsville, Providence, Mendon, Logan, Smithfield, and Richmond. The population totaled about one hundred and fifty families. 59

1859, December 18 ~ The first Logan schoolhouse was constructed of logs, measuring 40 by 60 feet in size, with a dirt floor and roof. It was used for various purposes: school house, meeting house, amusement hall, and even as a jail. 26, 40

1860, March ~ Logan was designated as the County Seat of Cache County by the Utah Territorial Legislature. 31, 47

1860, March 11 ~ General Jesse W. Fox arrived in Cache Valley, sent by Brigham Young to survey and lay out the towns and cities. 51

1860, Spring ~ The early settlers of Logan worked with other communities to begin what's now known as the Logan-Hyde Park Canal. For many years this canal fed not only the irrigations needs of the settlers but also culinary water for much of the area. 31, 46

1860, Spring ~ Apostle Ezra T. Benson moved to Logan since he had been appointed to organize and preside over the Cache Valley Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Early on, there was little separation of church and state and Benson also was heavily involved in political matters. 53

1860, April 29 ~ The first company of minutemen was organized with Thomas E. Ricks as captain and George AL. Farrell, adjutant. 31

1860, June 10 ~ On a trip to Cache Valley, Brigham Young spoke in Logan. Of the Valley he said, "So far as I know, no other valley in this territory is equal to this." 51

1860, June ~ The militia was enlarged and Ezra T. Benson was elected Colonel of the Cache County Militia. They were constantly ready to defend their homes and the other settlements, or chase the Indians to recover their horses or stock. Several times by their prompt action they prevented possible massacres. 26, 46

1860, July ~ According to the Federal Census, the population of Cache County was 2,605. 45

1860, July 23 ~ Chief Pahgunup was killed in Smithfield and John Reed of Franklin and Ira Merrill of Smithfield were killed by the Shoshone Indian Tribe in retaliation. Mormon settlers moved their primitive houses into forts for protection when several Indian Warriors rode into Logan in an excited manner. It was learned that a member of their tribe was being held prisoner in Smithfield for having attempted to kill one of the settlers. The incident was quickly settled due to the intelligent, quick action of pioneer leaders. 26, 47, 46, 51, 53

1861, April 14 ~ Because of growth, the Mormon population was divided into four wards of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The bishops of these wards were Benjamin Lewis, Henry Ballard, John B. Thatcher, and Thomas X. Smith. 21, 46, 47

1861, Summer ~ The first public frame building was erected on the corner of 100 north and Main Street. It was known as the "Old Hall" and became the community center for religious, public meetings, and entertainment. The Old Hall was torn down in 1893. 31

1861, September 7 ~ The first agricultural fair was held in Logan. Seth M. Blair was president of the fair association. 26

1862, March 4 ~ A road was commenced into Logan Canyon. 26

1863, January 29 ~ A company of 450 U.S. soldiers led by Col. Conner from Camp Douglas came upon and attacked the Shoshone Indians in a ravine twelve miles north of Franklin, Idaho. In the ensuing battle, a handful of white soldiers and at least 200 Indians were killed and many others wounded. The incident became known as the Battle of Bear River or the Bear River Massacre. 24, 26

1863, April 19 ~ Bishop W.B. Preston was made Captain of a company of fifty teams (eleven from Logan) that had been called to go to the Missouri River to help emigrants. 26

1863, August 22 ~ Brigham Young along with various apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints visited Cache Valley. In a discourse in the Logan bowery, Wilford Woodruff foretold that a temple would be constructed in Logan. Brigham Young then spoke, confirming this foretelling and calling it a prophesy. 33

1863, September 15 ~ Bishop W.B. Preston and eleven teams which had left in April to travel east returned home. 26

1864, September ~ About three-hundred minute me from Logan under Major Ricks with Peter Maughan arrived in Franklin to prevent a white man from being killed by the Indians. Chief Washakie told the Mormon leader that the whiskey sold by two Franklin settlers caused the trouble. Peter Maughan agreed to give the Indians two yoke of oxen, and the men who sold the whiskey were required to provide the oxen. 46

1865, April 2 ~ Work commenced on the Logan and Richmond Canals and on the first of June of the same year they had water running in it to Hyde Park. 26

1865, May ~ Construction began on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Cache Stake Tabernacle. This major religious edifice remains a significant structure in Logan to this day. 22, 31

1865, August 5 ~ The Cache Valley Brigade of the Nauvoo Legion militia was established in Logan, Lt. Gen. Daniel H. Wells commanding. The brigade was divided into one cavalry and two infantry regiments. There were 177 officers and 1,386 men. The Sixth Battalion of the First Regiment of Infantry was entirely Danish-speaking. 51

1866 ~ Five schools were established in Logan, one in each of the five wards. These structures were adobe, about 25' X 50' and were called "model school houses" by the Territorial Superintendent of Common Schools. 31, 38

1866, January 7 ~ Logan was incorporated by an act of the Territorial Legislature. The early government of Logan met in private homes until 1876. 31, 46, 47

1866, Summer ~ The Logan Police force was organized with sixteen policemen, several from each of the five wards. John Paul was appointed captain. 31

1866, July 10 ~ A very high flag pole was erected as a means of communication for the community. It was placed on the southeast corner of the temple lot, near the corner of 100 north and 300 east. This was referred to as the Liberty Pole. A white flag meant that the residents were to be watchful and stand by in case of trouble. If a red flag ever flew, it meant danger and the men were to take their guns and gather immediately. 41

1867 ~ Joseph, the three year old son of Edwin M. Curtis was taken by Native Americans. He was eventually found, covered with blankets, in the Native American camp a short distance from town. 26

1867, January 15 ~ The Deseret Telegraph Company completed 500 miles of wire which connected Logan on the north to St. George on the south. 31, 47

1868 ~ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints organized the Cache Stake Female Relief Society with Mary Ann Maughan president. 26

1868 ~ A report of the territorial census of Logan, taken in 1868 showed the population to be 2,217 souls; however, this likely included other settlements than just Logan as the population of Logan in 1870 for the federal census was 1,757. 31

1869 ~ Work was completed on the first section of road up Logan Canyon, a toll road, to Wood Camp. The work had begun in 1862. 20

1869, May 12 ~ The Logan Cooperative Mercantile Institution (LCMI) was organized, one of 16 mercantile establishments in Cache Valley. 26, 55

1869, Fall ~ Crops grown throughout Cache Valley were less than half of normal, the rest being eaten by grasshoppers or "Mormon crickets". 47

1870 ~ The People's Party was formed by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Liberal Party was formed by non-members. 53

1870, March ~ 50 women voted in the Logan City election as a result of the Woman's Suffrage bill that had just passed the Utah Territorial Legislature. 31

1870, July ~ According to the Federal Census, the population of Logan was 1,757.

1870, December ~ Logan City secured its townsite with the federal act for the Relief of the Inhabitants of Cities and Towns upon the Public Lands. Prior to this time, settlers in Logan and other communities were considered squatters on public lands. 47

1871 ~ A dairy cooperative, headed by Lorenzo Hansen, began which gathered a herd of between 50-700 head of cattle during the summer months. The cheese produced from these cattle was produced in a plant between Cache and Box Elder counties. The cattle were returned to the owners in the fall and half the cheese produced was given as rental for the cows. This plant operated until 1888. 8

1871, August ~ Brigham Young organized the Utah Northern Railroad Company with the goal to lay tracks from Ogden, Utah to Soda Springs, Idaho. Ground was broken at Brigham City, Utah on August 26th. 26, 53

1872 ~ Dr. Oliver C. Ormsby, the first formally trained physician in the valley, was persuaded to move here by prominent residents of Logan. He started the first drug store, performed the first major surgery, and operated the first regular clinic. 31 

1872, February 15 ~ A survey line was drawn at the 42nd parallel which created the Utah-Idaho state line, and divided the valley. Before this time all of the Cache Valley settlements were considered to be in Utah, including much of Franklin County, Idaho. 42

1872, August ~ The Logan City School District was created and an election was held for trustees of the new city-wide school. Logan has the distinction of being the first school system in the state to develop a pattern of consolidation and city-wide control of the school program. 577 children between the ages of 6 and 16 were recorded in the first school census. 31, 38

1873 ~ The population of Logan was 2,033. 45

1873, February 17 ~ Charles Benson is lynched by a mob after he's arrested for the shooting of David W. Crockett. 51

1873, June ~ In a visit to Cache Valley, Brigham Young encouraged residents to enlarge the tabernacle construction plans, finish the railroad to Franklin, and build a temple in Logan. 43

1873, Summer ~ The old foundation of the Logan Tabernacle was taken out and it was enlarged to 125 1/2 feet long (exclusive of vestry and buttresses) by 65 1/2 feet wide. Charles O. Card was elected superintendent of the works.

1873, August ~ The St. John's Episcopal Church was established in Logan by Bishop Daniel S. Tuttle, Reverend Father William H. Story and Joseph Richardson. Their first meetings were held in a small adobe building known as "the bakery". 22, 31, 45

1873, August 26 ~ The Utah and Northern Narrow Gauge Railroad, which was started at Brigham City on January 31st, was completed as far as Logan. 26, 31, 47

1874 ~ The First Post Office in Logan was established with C.B. Robbins as postmaster. Before this time, mail was distributed from the tithing office of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for all of Cache Valley. 31

1874, Spring ~ Brigham Young visited Cache Valley, inspecting land which he owned between Logan and Wellsville. These 10,000 acres would be used to establish a free educational institution "four to six years in acquiring a liberal and scientific education as complete as can be found in any part of the world." This institution was opened in September 1878 as Brigham Young College. 43

1875, June 3 ~ A meeting was held to organize the "General United Order of Cache Valley", with Brigham Young, Jr. as president. 26

1876 ~ Lindquist Hall became Logan's first city hall, located at 201 North 100 East. The hall was built by Niels Lindquist, a Swedish emigrant, in 1868. 23

1876, January 27 ~ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held their first conference in the Cache Stake Tabernacle, held in the basement because the building was incomplete. 22, 26

1877, May ~ During his visit to Cache Valley, Brigham Young organized the first stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Moses Thatcher was sustained as president with William B. Preston and M.D. Hammon as his councilors. 26

1877, May ~ Just prior to his death, Brigham Young visited Logan as part of a tour of Northern Utah. He stayed with his daughter who had married George Thatcher. One morning, he took his grandson by the hand, saying "come on Georgie, let's go pick a spot for the temple." 43

1877, May 18 ~ Ground was broken for construction of the Logan Temple, a significant building in Logan to this day and to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 26, 31, 53

1878 ~ The first appropriations for a Cache County Fair were recorded. 22, 31, 36

1878 ~ A Presbyterian church and school were started in Logan by the Reverend Calvin Parks and his wife which continued until 1934. The school was called the Cache Valley Seminary but later it was renamed the New Jersey Academy. In 1934 the Academy merged with the Wasatch Academy in Mount Pleasant and had approximately 210 boarding students. 22, 31, 37

1878, August 3 ~ Construction on the Logan Tabernacle that began in 1865 was completed to the upper story and opened for church services. 22, 31

1878, September 9 ~ Brigham Young College first opened for classes with Ida Ione Cook as principal at Lindquist Hall at 201 North and 100 East. 7, 51

1878, Fall ~ The first organization of higher education in Logan, Church owned and operated Brigham Young College was established with Miss Ida Ione Cooks as principal. Its first location was in rooms rented from Logan City in the Old Logan City Hall which was located just west of the Thatcher Bank and Opera House on Center Street. 22, 31, 45

1879 ~ The first newspaper, the Northern Light, was established. It was printed half in English and half in Danish. 31

1879, September 11 ~ The first issue of the Logan Leader, the second newspaper in Logan, was printed. 31

1880, June ~ According to the Federal Census, the population of Logan was 3,398.

1880, September ~ The first incandescent electric light plant in Utah was established in Logan by Christian Garff and Gustave Lundberg. The hydro-electric plant was located at about 10 West 100 South. 24, 31, 47

1880, November 4 ~ In Logan, an ordinance authorizing and regulating a Fire Department was read and adopted. E.W. Curtis was appointed chief engineer of the Fire Department. 36

1881 ~ The first telephone service was installed in Logan, a private line between the office of George W. Thatcher and the railroad office. 47

1883 ~ The first telephone exchange in Logan was installed at 25 stations. The franchise was owned by Mr. Patterson, manager of the Western Union Telegraph Company. At the time of the opening of the Logan exchange only three other telephone exchanges were in existence in Utah : the Ogden (1880) Salt Lake City (1881) and Park City (1881). 7, 31, 47

1883 ~ The Cache County Courthouse was completed on the south corner of Main Street and 200 North. It was designed by Truman O. Angell, Jr. 6, 23, 51

1883 ~ A jail was housed in the basement of the newly constructed Cache County Courthouse in Logan, it was a single cell with bars on the windows. It was used until the new jail was constructed in 1886-7. 7, 23

1884, May 17 ~ The completed Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Logan Temple was dedicated. It remains an important landmark to this day. 7, 31, 41, 47, 51

1886 ~ The Logan City Revised Ordinances were published. 36

1886, March ~ Logan City rented a room in the new County Courthouse for City Council Meetings. The rent was $75.00 per annum. 36

1886, May ~ Sexton Hugh Adams finished removing the bodies from the old cemetery. All bodies were moved to the cemetery proper at the expense of the city. 36

1886, Winter ~ A long distance telephone line was built from Ogden to Logan. 7

1887 ~ The first permanent county jail was constructed behind the Cache County Courthouse at a cost of $12,579.68. The jail known as the "Old Rock Jail" had six cells. It was torn down in 1963 when another jail was built to the north of it. 7, 23

1887, Spring ~ Following the passing of the Edmund's-Tucker Law on March 3rd, there were a number of prosecutions for polygamy in Cache Valley. 47

1888 ~ The city purchased the Logan Electric Light and Power Company from Garff and Lundberg and moved the equipment to 300 West. This may have been the first case power company ownership by a municipality in Utah. 31, 47

1888, March 8 ~ Utah Agricultural College was established as a territorial Institution founded upon a U.S. land grant and by territorial appropriations to give young men and women in Utah a liberal education. 1, 31, 51

1889 ~ A Methodist Church and a small school were erected on the corner of Main and East Center Streets. Reverend Steves was the first pastor and Miss Sweet was the first school teacher assisted by Miss Dryden. 31

1889 ~ The Oregon Short Line railroad system was incorporated. It later became part of the Union Pacific Railroad System. 47

1889 ~ The name of the semi-weekly newspaper was change from the Utah Journal to the Logan Journal by R.W. Sloan, its new owner. 31

1889 ~ Construction began on the iconic Old Main building on the campus of Utah Agricultural College (now Utah State University). 48

1889, January 4 ~ A petition from seventy-four persons and business firms was presented to the Logan City Council, and on this date they received a deed of sale for a tract of land which became Willow Park. 36

1890 ~ The Thatcher Bank and Opera House was completed with the opera house occupying the upper two stories. This structure was quite modern for its time, featuring steam heat, indoor plumbing, and electricity. Having a seating capacity for eight-hundred, the opera house became an entertainment center for the entire valley. 43, 47

1890, March 19 ~ The structure of municipal government was changed with the office of alderman being discontinued. This change coincided with the number of municipal wards increasing from five to seven, and each ward represented by one councilor. 47

1890, June ~ According to the Federal Census, the population of Logan was 4,565. 54

1890, September ~ Utah Agricultural College (now Utah State University) began classes. 51

1890, September 6 ~ Construction on the Logan railroad depot at 600 West Center (now Café Sabor) began.

1891 ~ In order to further the cause of Utah Statehood, existing political parties in Logan were dissolved and the Democrat and Republican Parties were organized. 47

1891, November 1 ~ The Logan Tabernacle as a completed structure (including the entrance and tower) was dedicated by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints president Wilford Woodruff. It was built primarily by volunteer labor over more than 25 years. 6, 24

1892 ~ The name of the Logan Journal was change to the Journal by the Earl and England Publishing Company, its new owner. 39

1892 ~ The Parry School was opened. It was located in a small building made of solid stone at 290 North 400 East, where the Whittier Center now stands. Armenia Parry taught classes in the school to as many as 94 students daily. Miss Parry later married and took on the name Adams. Both Adams Elementary School and Adams Park are named in her honor.

1892 ~ The first Utah State football game was played, a 12 to 0 victory over the University of Utah. 31

1893, November 22 ~ The city dedicated four new elementary school buildings: Webster, Franklin, Card and Ellis schools. There were then 17 schools in operation in Logan. Ellis is still in use today and is the oldest elementary school building still in use in the State of Utah. 7

1896 ~ The St. John's Episcopal school closed.

1896 ~ The Logan City electric power company closed, and the plant was dismantled.

1896, January 4 ~ Utah gained statehood. City of Logan residents enthusiastically gathered for a special program in the Cache Stake Tabernacle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . 47

1896, March ~ Logan received the designation as a second class city from Utah state government.

1900 ~ The Logan City Offices and Police department were relocated to the building that had been occupied by the Utah Journal, and later became the Lyric Theatre. 15

1900, June ~ According to the Federal Census, the population of Logan was 5,451. 45

1901 ~ The Logan Sugar Company, owned by David Eccles, built the first of five sugar beet factories in Cache Valley. It was located just south of Logan and could process as much as 350 tons of sugar beets per day. It was in operation for 25 years. 16

1901, August ~ Logan became a long distance telephone center. A switchboard was installed with 20 long distance lines. 6

1902 ~ The Ogden and Logan Sugar companies were merged, creating the Amalgamated Sugar Company. 50

1902 ~ Z.C.M.I. closed out the Logan branch and John H. Anderson purchased the People's Store which remained in business for many years. 47

1902 ~ The first automobile was brought to Logan by Robert Murdock, the postmaster. It had a one cylinder gasoline engine. 22

1902 ~ The Old Main Building for the Agricultural College was completed. This landmark is the oldest continuously used building at an institution of higher learning in Utah. 23

1902, August 6 ~ After a successful bond election, the Logan City Council passed a resolution to bond the city to construct a municipal power plant. 7

1903 ~ Doctor D.C. Budge established a hospital and nursing school on the corner of Center and Second West. 7, 32

1903 ~ A large condensed milk plant was erected in Logan by Lorenzo Hansen, which he sold to Borden Condensed Milk Company in 1912. 59

1904 ~ The Logan City Offices were relocated to 176 North Main from 1904 to 1906 and then again from about 1915 to 1963. It was called the Arimo Block with the address of 172 - 180 North Main.

1904 ~ The City Light Plant was completed and began operation with Orson Smith as the superintendent. There was only one generating unit at that time-- one water wheel and one generator. 5

1905 ~ A new telephone building was constructed and a new switchboard installed. 7

1906 ~ The St. John's Episcopalian church opened a reading room on West Center Street in 1906. 30

1906 ~ Budge Hospital was moved to 102 West Center, a building which later became the personal residence of Doctor Heber S. Amussen. 32

1907 ~ The Logan City Offices were relocated to the Courthouse, 179 North Main, while the Arimo Block offices were remodeled.

1907 ~ A railroad branch called the "loop" was run from Mendon to the south end of the valley in Wellsville. 24

1908 ~ The Logan Cache Stake Tabernacle organ was installed and a grand opening program was held for the public with George W. Thatcher conducting the choir and H.G. Smurthwaite on the organ. The organ was constructed by the Pilcher Organ Company and included three keyboards, 3,000 pipes, and forty-one stops. 7

1909 ~ The Boy Scouts of America was organized in Cache Valley one year before its official organization in the United States. Troop One (1) was organized by the Reverend John Paul Jones in St. John's Episcopal Church in 1909. Despite its scoutmaster and sponsor, Troop 1 was clearly interdenominational: of 26 boys, 21 were Latter-day Saints. 51

1909, January ~ The St. John's Episcopal Church building and vicarage were completed at 85 East 100 North. The building featured a circulating library, the first tennis court in Logan, and a game room with pool tables and shuffleboard. 7

1909, May 20 ~ The Commercial Boosters Club was organized with a membership of about twenty-five which by 1911 had grown to two hundred and fifty. It later became known as the Logan Chamber of Commerce. 54

1910 ~ The Logan Rapid Transit Company was organized by David Eccles and an electric railroad was constructed from the Oregon Short Line Depot on 600 West, east on Center to Main Street, and further east on 400 North to the campus of Utah State Agricultural College (today USU). 6

1910, January 7 ~ The present location of the Cache County Fairgrounds was deeded to Logan City. 14

1910, April ~ According to the Federal Census, the population of Logan was 7,522. 45

1911 ~ An ordinance, passed by the Logan City Council, prohibited the sale of liquor which made Logan one of the first prohibition cities in the State of Utah. 36

1911, September 26-28 ~ The first Cache County Fair was held in what is today Willow Park. 54

1912 ~ Logan abandoned the mayor-council form of government and adopted the three-man commission form. This included a mayor and two commissioners and it continued until 1975. 47

1912, April 17 ~ The Thatcher Opera House burned to the ground in a tremendous fire. The local significance is shown in the newspaper headings for the day, the fire pushing news about the sinking of the Titanic to a small corner. The fire lead to the hiring of full time firefighters and the purchase of better equipment. 7, 10, 23, 47

1912, Summer ~ The Logan Rapid Transit Company completed a two-mile line that reached the towns of Providence, Hyde Park, and Smithfield. 47

1913 ~ The Lyric Theatre, built by the Thatcher family, opened to the public.

1914 ~ The Logan City Offices were relocated to the Arimo Block at 172-180 North Main and remained there until 1963.

1914 ~ The first city operated outdoor recreation park was established on the east half of Tabernacle Square. 9

1914 ~ The Bluebird Restaurant and Candy Company was established on West Center Street by Guy Cardon and Mark Neuberger. It is one of the oldest restaurants in Cache Valley and the state of Utah.

1914 ~ The Logan Rapid Transit Company further extended its lines north to Presto, Idaho and south to Wellsville. 47

1914 ~ The Logan Rapid Transit Company and the Ogden Rapid Transit Company, both owned by the Eccles Corporation, were merged into the Ogden, Logan & Idaho Railway Company. Sixteen trains operated daily between Ogden and Preston, a run that required 5 hours. 47

1914, December ~ Construction of the Utah-Idaho Hospital located at the corner of 200 North and 300 East was completed. It was the first nursing training school in the state of Utah to require high school graduation of all its applicants for admission. 24, 32

1915, April 5 ~ Cache Valley Electric was incorporated. It later became the Logan City Light and Power Department.

1916 ~ The Logan City paid Fire Department was organized. The department consisted of 6 men, including the chief. 10

1916, April 18 ~ In accordance with Logan City Ordinance, the Logan Library was established. 30, 36, 47

1917 ~ Cache Valley General Hospital was established. It was located at 170-176 North Main Street, above the Leon Stucki Building Specialties Company. It remained at this location until a new building was constructed in 1928. 24

1917 ~ The Logan High School was established with seventh, eighth and ninth grades and a total enrollment of 443 pupils. Seven subjects were taught, among them were basketball and swimming. By 1920 the school included a twelfth grade. 21, 47

1919 ~ The name of the Ogden, Logan & Idaho Railway Company was changed to the Utah-Idaho Central Railroad Company. At this time the company had routes as far south as Payson in Utah Valley. This railroad continued until 1947. 47

1919 ~ A new high school building was completed.

1919 ~ The first children's story hour was held in the Logan Library.

1920 ~ The (high) school which had opened in 1917 with grades 7-9 became in 1920 a full-fledged high school, including grades 7-12. 2

1920 ~ The Logan Library finds its first permanent location at 21 West 100 North.

1920, January ~ According to the Federal Census, the population of Logan was 9,439. 45

1921 ~ Logan Library collection had grown to include over 9,000 items.

1921, May ~ The first successful airplane flight took place in Cache Valley. An aviator named Moroney brought his dismantled plane in by truck. As there was no airfield, he assembled the plane in an alfalfa field north of the KVNU broadcasting station. Hundreds of people watched as Moroney's plane rose about 1,000 feet in the air and flew over Logan and returned. 7

1921, June ~ The high school school's first class of fifty-five seniors graduated.

1923 ~ The Chamber of Commerce and other civic organizations cooperated with the U.S. Forest Service to clean up and level-up the Logan Canyon Park, now known as Guinavah Park. 19 

1923 ~ The Bluebird Restaurant was opened at its current location on Main Street.

1923 ~ The Budge Clinic moved its offices to 3 North Main, what became known as "Budge Block". It occupied part of the ground floor and all of the upper floor.

1923, March 23 ~ The Capitol Theater was built at 43 South Main. It is now known as the Ellen Eccles Theatre.

1923, July 22 ~ "Old Ephraim", the last known grizzly bear in the area, was killed by Frank Clark near Temple Fork in Logan Canyon. 25 

1923, July 23 ~ "Old Juniper", a gnarled old Jardine Juniper tree, was discovered by Maurice Blood Linford, then a student of botany and plant pathology at the Utah State University. It was believed to be about 1,500 years old. 7

1924 ~ The City of Logan entered into an agreement with Cache County to furnish them with fire protection services.

1924, June ~ Loganite Lt. Russell L. Maughan, "the man who chased the sun", became a national hero as he won the Pulitzer Prize for the fastest airplane flight between San Francisco and New York. He was the first to make the trip in less than a day. 7, 19

1924, July 24 - 25 ~ A centennial celebration to commemorate Jim Bridger leading a small band of trappers into Cache Valley in 1824 was the largest celebration ever held in the valley to that point. An estimated 50,000 people witnessed the events. 16, 19

1925 ~ Logan Library checkouts had grown to exceed 40,000 a year.

1925, September 2 ~ KFXD, possibly the first radio station in Logan, received its license. The station was owned by local car salesman L.H. Strong and was located over the Strong Motor Co. on East Center Street. In December 1926 the station was sold and moved to Jerome, Idaho. The station subsequently moved to Boise, Idaho where it still (2019) broadcasts today.

1926 ~ The Logan Sugar Beat factory closed after twenty-five years. The plant, opened and operated by the Amalgamated Sugar Company, was built in 1901. 47, 50 

1926 ~ The Logan Diesel Plant (for electricity) was established with a cost of $750,000, including the building and six diesel engines. Nine men were employed at the plant. 24 

1926, May ~ When the Board of Education of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints voted to discontinue church run high schools and academies, Brigham Young College in Logan was forced to close its doors. Although the State of Utah assumed support of other academies in the state, Logan already had Utah Agricultural College. 7

1927 ~ Logan City Fire Department purchased a Studebaker Ambulance, initiating the first ambulance service in Cache County. 10

1927 ~ The City of Logan commenced ambulance service throughout Cache County.

1927, September 9 ~ A new electric power station opened in Logan containing the largest diesel engine ever installed in the State of Utah to that point. It had a capacity of 675 horsepower, and could easily take care of the city's entire load, serving 1600 homes and businesses with electric power. 7

1928 ~ Construction on the Cache Valley General Hospital at 50 North 100 East was completed. It replaced the old hospital on Main Street. 24, 43

1929 ~ Legislative action changed the name of the Agricultural College of Utah to Utah State Agricultural College. 1 

1929, October 19 ~ Logan City deeded the land to Cache County for the Cache County Fairgrounds. 14

1930, April ~ According to the Federal Census, the population of Logan was 9,979. 45

1931, August ~ The first issue of the Herald Journal, the current newspaper in Logan, was published. Its predecessor, The Journal, was published from 1892 to December 1929. 47

1932, February 3 ~ A new building for the Cache County Library (now the Logan Library) located at 90 North 100 East was dedicated. 30

1933 ~ A contractual agreement for the Cache County Library was entered into by both Cache County and the City of Logan. Thereafter, the two entities equally shared ownership of and expenses for the library. The contract was to be in force for 25 years. 30

1933 ~ The Logan Golf and Country Club was established.

1935, October 23 ~ The Roxy Theater opened with special equipment intended for motion picture viewing. 7

1938, May 31 ~ Floyd Hansen flew the first air mail out of Logan and signed a contract to fly mail to and from Salt Lake City with stops at Brigham City and Ogden. 11

1938, November 20 ~ Radio Station KVNU, a 100 watt station, made its inaugural broadcast. 47

1939 ~ The present highway through Logan Canyon was constructed and surfaced between 1935 and 1939, using federal and state money. The highway was kept open year-round for the first time in 1939. 20

1940, April ~ According to the Federal Census, the population of Logan was 11,868. 45

1941 ~ Edwin Gossner, born in Switzerland, came to Logan and started the Gossner Cheese Factory in 1941. Within five years he had built up the largest Swiss cheese making factory in the world, producing 120 two hundred pound wheels of cheese a day. 7

1941 ~ The United States Army and Navy expanded the Logan Airport and it became a major pilot training center during the war. 19, 35

1942, April 28 ~ Under the leadership of Monsignor Jerome C. Stoffel, the Catholic Church in Logan was established. From 1875 to 1941 priests traveled from Ogden to serve catholic residents of Logan. 43

1943, June ~ Cache County and Logan City Commissioners decided to provide $10,000 to match government money for a large hangar at the airport [currently the Logan-Cache Airport]. 19

1945 ~ During World War II a small group of German and Italian prisoners of war were confined on and near the Utah State Agricultural campus. The German prisoners of war were housed at the Cache County Fairgrounds from June 6 to November 30, 1945. Facilities were built in the northwest area of the fairgrounds to accommodate as many as 550 prisoners of war during that war. The POW camp existed until the fall of 1946. 14, 18, 43, 44

1945, Spring ~ A foundation was established to provide a home for the aged and indigent. From 1948 to 1953 care of the aged was given in the Nibley Building at 290 West Center Street in Logan. Later, through the cooperation of the City and County Commissions, the project materialized under the name of Sunshine Terrace and was quartered in the former Nurses Home of the L.D.S. Hospital at 337 East 200 North. 19

1946 ~ After World War II enrollment at Utah State Agricultural College skyrocketed. While enrollment during the 1943-44 year was fewer than a thousand students, in 1946-47 that figure had climbed to 4,493. 35

1947, March 18 ~ The Utah-Idaho Central Railroad made its final trip. The Logan station was located in the building at 75 South Main. The railroad prospered from 1914 to the mid 1920's but it succumbed to an agricultural depression and the increased use of trucks and automobiles, finally being abandoned in 1946. 6, 47

1947, July 24 ~ The 100th anniversary of the arrival of pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley was celebrated throughout Utah.

1949 ~ Telephone line installed in the library.

1949, January ~ Both the Cache Valley Hospital and the Budge Memorial Hospital were purchased by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Cache Valley General Hospital on 100 East was closed and the Budge Memorial at 303 East 200 North was remodeled and became the Logan LDS Regional Hospital until 1975. 32, 43

1950 ~ By 1950 the Logan City Fire Department had increased to 24 personnel who served the 11,800 residents in Logan City and also parts of Cache County. 10

1950, April ~ According to the 1950 Federal Census, the population of Logan was 16,904. 45

1952, November 15 ~ Television came to Cache County. Channels 2, 4, and 5 built a transmitters to boost its power output to reach Cache Valley. 7

1953 ~ The Cache Valley artists festival was developed. The organization grew out of a move for a city-wide art program sponsored by the Logan Rotary Club. It soon grew into a county-wide activity. Since 1953 it has sponsored a week of demonstrations and exhibits each year. 47

1953 ~ KVSC began broadcasting from Utah Agricultural College in Logan. This was the beginning of what would become Utah Public Radio.

1955, July ~ The Order of the Arrow in the Cache Valley Council of the Boy Scouts of America was organized. 27

1956 ~ Cache Valley held a big Centennial Celebration in remembrance of the first permanent settlement in the valley at Maughan's Fort (Wellsville) in 1856. 7, 19, 47

1957, March 8 ~ The name of the land grant college in Logan was changed from the Utah State Agricultural College to Utah State University. 1

1960, March ~ Work was completed on the new airport terminal building at the Logan-Cache Airport. In September officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony to open the extended new north-south runway. 35

1960, April ~ According to the 1960 Federal Census, the population of Logan was 18,731. 45

1961 ~ KVSC, a radio station broadcasting from the university, changed its call letters to KUSU-FM to reflect the university's name change to Utah State University.

1961, Spring ~ A restored Lyric Theatre opened as the Caine Lyric Theatre and home of the Utah State University Old Lyric Repertory Company. 7

1961, August 30 ~ An earthquake shook the Cache Valley, registering 6.1 on the Richter Scale. 5

1963 ~ The "Old Rock Jail" which had been in use for over 70 years was torn down. It was replaced by the Cache County Jail, located just west of the Historic Cache County Courthouse. 7

1964 ~ The Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum was opened in the basement of the Cache Chamber of Commerce Building at 52 West, 200 North in Logan. 24

1964, June 24 ~ The Cache Genealogical Library [now the Logan Regional Family History Center] was given use of a portion of the basement in the Cache County Library building which was unfurnished and unusable for public library purposes. 11

1965 ~ The City of Logan opened the Logan Municipal Pool, an indoor public pool facility located at 114 East 1000 North. 12

1968 ~ Construction of Logan's sewer and lagoon treatment system was completed. 36

1968 ~ The Sunshine Terrace Foundation moved to its newly constructed campus at 225 North 200 West. 19, 29

1970 ~ The city operated Willow Park Zoo began operation. The number of animals exhibited have gradually grown through the years. The zoo currently hosts more than 125,000 visitors each year. 17

1970 ~ There were six library staff members. These library employees added 1,422 new books during the year. There were 10,806 registered borrowers. 30

1970 ~ There were 27 firefighters covering an area that included over 30,000 Logan residents plus part of the county surrounding Logan. ²⁶

1970, April ~ According to the 1970 Federal Census, the population of Logan was 22,333. 45

1971, January ~ Bridgerland Applied Technology College is organized, first operating in leased facilities throughout the Logan area.

1971, September ~ It was reported that 4.7% of Cache Valley residents were employed in agriculture by the Employment Securities Office. This may not have included the many residents employed in agriculture-related businesses such as in manufacturing and trades. 34

1972 ~ The first Festival of the American West took place, since recognized for its accuracy in offering visitors a realistic understanding and appreciation of American History.

1972 ~ The Logan Fire Department started training its firefighters as Emergency Medical Technicians. 10

1973 ~ The Willow Park Zoo started with just a handful of pigeons housed in a miniature red barn.

1974 ~ The Old Ephraim Mountain Man Club started getting together to relive the era of beaver trappers, rendezvous and homes in the mountains. They have pinpointed the site of the first rendezvous in 1826 at the mouth of Cache Valley's Blacksmith Fork Canyon. 58

1974 ~ The fire department moved from the old fire station to a new station at 76 East 200 North. 10

1975 ~ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints sold the LDS Regional Hospital in Logan to Intermountain Health Care. 43

1975, June 21 ~ The Logan Utah Regional Family History Center began operation in the basement of the LDS Tabernacle. It is owned and operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 56

1975, July 1 ~ A change was made in Logan municipal government: a mayor and two commissioners was changed to a mayor and five member council. Logan was the first community in Utah to adopt this form of government. 36

1977, April 12 ~ An agreement was made between Logan City and Cache County. This agreement passed ownership of the library which had been shared to Logan City exclusively. Ownership was transferred in exchange for seven free years of library use by Cache County residents outside of Logan. 7, 11

1978 ~ Library checkouts have grown to exceed 100,000 a year.

1979 ~ Logan's Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

1980 ~ The Logan City Offices were relocated to 61 West 100 North in Logan. The building was then used as the Juvenile Court until it was torn down when the Court was moved to 136 North 100 West in 2003.

1980 ~ The Ronald V. Jensen Museum opened as a year-round living farm museum. It has since become the American West Heritage Center.

1980, April ~ According to the United States Census, the population of Logan was 26,844. 45

1980, November 21 ~ Construction was completed on the Logan Regional Hospital, a not for profit medical center, located at 500 East 1400 North. 43

1982 ~ Logan negotiated the purchase of the Sears property and sold the old city office (180 North main) to the county for $660,000.

1983 ~ The Cache Valley Cruise-In began with five organizers. The event currently attracts over 1000 vehicles with a spectator attendance of more than 30,000 people. The three day event takes place at the Logan/Cache Fairgrounds and a parade on Logan's Main Street.

1983 ~ Fire destroyed the third floor of the north wing of Old Main on the USU campus. The roof was removed and the entire north wing was gutted. By Fall of 1985, it was rebuilt, including an elaborate turret that had been removed after the earthquake of August 1962. 52

1984 ~ Central Park at 280 East Center Street was renamed Merlin Olsen Central Park. Olsen gained stardom when he was finished playing football at USU. He subsequently played for the Los Angeles Rams for fifteen years and was honored in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980. He is also known for his acting in the Little House on the Prairie television series where he portrayed farmer Jonathan Garvey. 36

1984 ~ Bridgerland Applied Technology College moved to 1301 North 600 West in Logan, the old Wurlitzer piano and organ factory. This is currently the main of four campuses located in Box Elder, Cache and Rich counties.

1985 ~ The Logan Library collection had grown to include over 50,000 items.

1985 ~ The Logan Library's online card catalog was finally completed. 3

1985, December ~ After extensive renovation, the Sears retail outlet building located at 255 North Main in Logan became home to the City of Logan offices and the Logan Library. The building was the original Palais d'Or dance hall built in 1927. 23

1987 ~ Bridgerland Literacy was started by VISTA (Volunteers In Service to America). From 1988 to 2010 it was operated within the Logan Library.

1989 ~ The highway through Logan Canyon was designated by the Forest Service as a National Forest Scenic Byway, making Logan Canyon one of the first routes so designated in the National Forest System. 20

1990, April ~ According to the United States Census, the population of Logan was 32,762. 45

1990 ~ The Smithsonian Institute's National Air and Space Museum added Lt. Russell L. Maughan's coast-to-coast flight to their Milestones of Flight Commemorative Series. Maughan made the flight in a Curtiss PW-8 airplane. This recognition came on the 50th anniversary of the flight. 7

1992 ~ The Logan Transit District [Now Cache Valley Transit District] was established to provide free bus service in Logan City.

1993 ~ The Logan River Golf Course, a division of the Logan Parks and Recreation Department was opened for use by the public. 13

1993 ~ Restoration of the magnificent Capitol Theatre was completed and renamed, "The Ellen Eccles Theatre" in honor of the prominent Utah pioneer and Logan matriarch known for her contributions to the Cache Valley Community.

1995 ~ The Festival of the American West combined with the Ronald Jensen Living Farm to become the American West Heritage Foundation. 39

1995 ~ The Internet was first made available to patrons of the Logan Library. 3

1995 ~ The Festival of the American West combined with the Ronald Jensen Living Farm to become the American West Heritage Foundation.

1996 ~ Library checkouts have grown to exceed 500,000 a year.

1999 ~ Construction was completed on the new Cache Valley Transit District building located at 754 West 600 North in Logan.

2000, April ~ According to the United States Census, the population of Logan was 42,670.

2000, August 11 ~ The Logan Aquatic Center (outdoor pool), located at 451 South 500 West, was opened.

2001, July 24 ~ The Thatcher Young Mansion at 30 West 100 South, originally constructed in 1878 by George W. and Mary Ann Angell (Young) Thatcher, opened after extensive renovation as an art gallery for the Alliance for the Varied Arts.

2001, August 24 ~ The new Logan Transit Center bus depot located at 150 East 500 North was dedicated. The Logan Transit Center was planned to be a hub for the Cache Valley Transit System. 23

2001, November 13 ~ Construction was completed on the new Logan Post Office located at 75 West 200 North in Logan.

2001, November 26 ~ The Logan City Police Department moved to the new Justice Building located at 290 North 100 West.

2002 ~ The Logan Library had over 200,000 visitors during the year.

2002, January ~ The George S. Eccles Ice Center opened in anticipation of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.

2002, January 1 ~ Construction was completed on the George S. Eccles Ice Center which then hosted four teams practicing for the 2002 Olympic Games. It was at that time the only Olympic size non-profit ice arena in the Intermountain West. 5

2002, February 11 ~ The Logan City Municipal Justice Court moved to the Justice Building located at 290 North 100 West.

2003 ~ Library collection had grown to include over 100,000 items.

2003, July ~ A $2 million restoration project for the Historic Cache County Courthouse began. When completed, the building was planned to look like it did in 1893 and house the council chambers and the county executive and attorneys offices. 7

2004 ~ Library checkouts had grown to exceed 750,000 a year.

2004, June 23 ~ A $1.7 million collection of genealogical materials was donated to the City of Logan by Everton Publishers, based in Nibley, Utah. The 82,000 item private collection was planned to be made available to the public as part of the Logan Library. 7

2006, April 18 ~ The library celebrated 90 years of service to the public.

2007, April 24 ~ Logan City Council members approved a $2.6 million 25,000 sq-ft expansion to the Justice Building. The expanded building was planned to house Logan City Hall and Police Department. 7

2009, July ~ After the expansion of the building, Logan City Hall moved to 290 North 100 West. Using the vacated space at 255 North Main, the Logan Library began to expand into space previously used by city hall.

2010, April ~ According to the United States Census, the population of Logan was 48,174.

2010, July 6 ~ Library broke all records and checked out 7,247 items in one day. This record (December 2016) has still not been broken.

2016, January 17 ~ The City of Logan celebrated it's sesquicentennial with a special celebration in the tabernacle.