Manti City

Manti City is one of Utah’s earliest settlements, founded in 1849 following an invitation from Chief Walkara of the Ute Tribe. Brigham Young sent a group of 225 pioneers to the Sanpitch Valley, now known as Sanpete Valley, to help teach farming techniques to the native people. The group, led by Isaac Morley and George Washington Bradley, arrived in late November and braved a difficult winter by building temporary shelters into the hillside now home to the Manti Temple.

Brigham Young named the community “Manti,” inspired by a city in the Book of Mormon. Officially incorporated on February 2, 1851, alongside Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Provo, Manti’s first mayor was Dan Jones. Over time, the city became a vital hub for the settlement and development of neighboring communities throughout central and southern Utah. Today, Manti City honors its pioneer roots while continuing to foster a strong sense of heritage, community, and growth.