In the rugged terrain of Duchesne’s Upper Country, a unique settlement emerged in the 1930s, distinguished by a collective commitment to educational access. Altamont, Utah stands as a testament to the power of shared vision and collaborative effort in community building. Unlike other towns that formed organically, Altamont’s genesis was an initiative by residents of Altonah and Mt. Emmons to secure secondary education for their children. These communities faced the challenges of remote living, nessesitating lengthy commutes for students to attend high school in Roosevelt.
Driven by this pressing need, residents from Altonah and Mt. Emmons initiated a collaborative effort, extending invitations to nearby towns such as Talmadge, Mountain Home, Boneta, and Bluebell to identify a central and accessible location for a new high school. The successful completion of this high school in 1935 marked an important moment in the region’s history. It was a tenth-grade student, Clarence Snyder, who gave the town it’s name, a blend of the two founding communities.
Decades later, while a relativly small community with a population of 239 in the 2020 census, continues to demonstrate a strong sense of civic engagement and community cohesion. Data from the 2022 American Community Survey 5 Year Estimate highlights this pattern. Altamont boasts a citizenship rate that notably exceeds both the state and national averages.
| Location | Citizenship Rate |
| United States | 93.5% |
| Utah | 95.2% |
| Altamont | 99.5% |
In conclusion, Altamont, Utah is a wonderful place, even though it’s relitivly small in population.