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Welcome to the Town of Altamont! We are defined less by boundaries on a map than by the sense of shared values our residents hold dear. We take pride in maintaining a wholesome lifestyle, rich in cultural history, along with a deep commitment to the preservation of our environment and a progressive approach to local business. 

Altamont's history is deeply intertwined with the establishment and naming of its high school, which then served as a focal point for the community's development and eventual incorporation.

 

Here is a brief history of Altamont:

  • Establishment of the High School: Unlike many other communities, the driving force behind Altamont's establishment was its suitable location for a high school. In 1911, the state legislature authorized counties to create their own high school districts. The communities of Altonah and Mt. Emmons were dissatisfied with having to send their children to Roosevelt for high school. They invited other neighboring communities in the Upper Country, including Talmage, Mountain Home, Boneta, and Bluebell, to join them in building a new high school at a convenient location, which they cooperatively agreed upon. The school was completed in 1935.
  • Naming of the High School: After its completion, the high school was without a suitable name. A contest was held for nearly two months among students, including those coming the following year. The winner was Clarence Snyder, a 10th-grade boy from Altonah. Snyder coined the name "Altamont" by combining "Alt" from Altonah and "mont" from Mt. Emmons, a name significant of the towns in the section. The selection was announced by Superintendent Law at the high school auditorium on December 4. The Board of Education selected Altamont as the most appropriate name, and Snyder was promised and would receive a fine leather briefcase as his prize. The school, formerly known as Central High School at Mt. Emmons, would thereafter be known as Altamont.
  • Early Community Development: The growth of Altamont's business district near the new high school was slow initially, with LaForges cafe and filling station being the only business for a number of years. A small LDS seminary building was built nearby shortly after the high school's completion. In 1951, Glen and Florence Mohlman built a store to serve the area, which they ran until 1966.
  • Town Incorporation: In January 1953, the U.S. Postal Service opened a post office in Altamont. That same month, a majority of Altamont's thirty-four qualified voters petitioned the Duchesne County Commission to incorporate as a town. In May 1953, the county commission approved the petition for Altamont to incorporate. Altamont became the second incorporated town in Duchesne County. Ferrell Mohlman was chosen as the town's first president. Leland Stevenson, Waldo Hansen, Jewell Kolb, Lindon K. Farnsworth, and Flora Dastrup were appointed to the town council to serve until an election in November. Town council member Flora Dastrup later observed a more sincere and courteous attitude within the community after incorporation.
  • Further Growth and Institutions: In November 1957, the LDS wards of Altonah and Boneta were combined into the new Altamont Ward. An elementary school was built in Altamont, as was the LDS Altamont chapel and stake center in 1966. A branch of First Security Bank was added to the Altamont business district in 1974.