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This is Fred Ball, senior vice president, Zions Bank, speaking on business.
Tribes of Anasazi and Fremont cultures, who lived in small adobe houses or underground dugouts, probably were the first human inhabitants of the Price area. Example of their rock art is found in the nearby canyons.
Price is named after William Price, who explored the Spanish Fork canyon during the summer of 1869. When he reached the spot where the White River and Fish Creek converged, he named the stream Price River. Although he did not settle here, his name remained, and the town that later was founded was called Price.
The first trappers were Abram Powell and Caleb Rhodes, who arrived in 1877. Coal was discovered soon after. But it was not until the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad was completed through the valley in 1883 that the coal could be transported from the mines.
One of the most notorious men to live in Carbon County was Butch Cassidy, who often hid in the canyons. Tales of his turn-of-the-century exploits were legendary. According to one story, a posse that killed two outlaws accused of stealing the mine payroll from Castlegate announced that one of their victims was Butch Cassidy. When the body was put on public view, one observer seemed amused by the affair and was particularly interested in the funeral arrangements. Later, a marshall who knew Butch personally insisted that neither of the dead outlaws was the infamous gunfighter. The townspeople then realized who the interested observer had been.
Helper, a community north of Price is the second largest town in Carbon County and has a unique story of how it was named. Coal mining and the railroad were both very important in the growth of Helper. When standard gauge track was completed in 1890, the trains got so long and heavy, it took several extra engines to push them over Soldier Summit. These extra locomotives were called "helpers." Hence, the city's name.
Well, Carbon County is a very interesting community and there are many outstanding businesses in the area. You will hear about some of them in upcoming "Speaking on Business" programs.
This is Fred Ball. I'm speaking on Business.
