hCONOMIC AND
W h i l e farming and agriculture were the foundation of Sanpete County's economy, other commercial and economic activities were important. Grist mills and saw mills were a first priority for settlers, followed by the establishment of a commercial system for the acquisition and exchange of goods. The cooperative movement was an important part of early commercial life in the county. When LDS church leaders encouraged their followers to practice the United Order, Sanpete residents complied-at least for a time. The discovery of coal near Wales on the west side of the valley brought hope for a more diversified industrial future. Coal brought the railroad into the county, putting Sanpete Valley potentially ahead, at least in terms of economic opportunity, of most of the rest of rural Utah. However, neither coal nor the railroad altered the basic rhythms of life for Sanpete residents-rhythms which focused on the farm, the Mormon village, and the LDS church.
Mills The pioneers brought with them skills and equipment and
