Provo is the seat of Utah County. It lies 40 miles south of Salt Lake City along I-15.
The city's name is derived from that of Etienne Provo, an early fur trapper. The region was first visited in 1776 by a party of exploring Spanish missionaries led by Father Silvestre Escalante. The city was founded in 1849 by Mormon pioneers, and from 1865 to 1868, successfully staved off attacks by Native Americans.
Today Provo, population 105,166, is the third largest city in the state. It is the region's recreational, educational and industrial hub. A major employment source is a large steel mill nearby. The area average monthly temperature for January is a high of 39.8 degrees and a low of 21.6. In July, the high is 93.1 and the low, 59.8. Points of interest include Timpanogos Cave National Monument, Provo Peak, a state fish hatchery and a wild bird refuge. The city is a jumping-off point to several ski resorts.
Provo is part of the Provo-Orem, Utah metro area.
