The founding of Hooper

Hooper is situated on the delta of the Weber River, the center of the town being three mile east of the shores of the Great Salt Lake and approximately twelve miles from the mouths of Ogden and Weber Canyons.  The Weber River flows through the northern part of town shortly before it pours its water into the Great Salt Lake.

The recorded history of Hooper begins with the experience of the trappers and government explorers.  John C. Fremont, accompanied by Kit Carson and others, passed down the river in a rubber boat through the present site of Hooper when they were on their way to explore the Great Salt Lake and Fremont's Island.

In the pioneer days of Utah the district now included in Hooper, then known as "Muskrat Springs," was used as a herd ground by the Honorable William H. Hooper, Utah's delegate to Congress, and others.  Captain Hooper ran his cattle from Clearfield to the Weber River.  In 1854 he built an adobe house shelter for his herdsmen.  It was located near what is known as Hale's Bend.  It was the first building in Hooper.  A monument erected by the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers now stands near the location of the original heard house at approximately

1926 N 5600 W, Hooper, UT 84315.

A New City

The Township of Hooper was created in 1996 subsequent to voting down an effort to incorporate some 15 years earlier.  When it became evident that the township board could make plans and suggestions, but had no official power, the move to incorporation gained momentum, resulting in a vote to incorporate on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2000.  Sponsors of the move to incorporate were members of the township board; Bette Wilson, Theo Cox, Janet Stoddard, Richard Noyes and Clair Widdison.  Dennis Weston and Max Hunter were alternates.

Hooper residents chose a mayor-council form of government with a seven-member council.  This was approved by the County, and by June 2, 2000 candidates began filing for the newly created offices.

The General election held Tuesday, November 7, 2000, Durk Bailey became the Mayor with City Councilmen as follows:  District #1, Bradley Beus and Mark Bingham; District #2, Theo Cox and Bob Fowers; District #3, Korry Green and Richard Noyes and Dennis Weston became Councilman at-large.

Residents

The City was incorporated on November 30, 2000, and had a population of approximately 4,719 people. Current population of Hooper City according to 2012 census in now 7,722 and growing.  Much of what is now the city has traditionally been devoted to agricultural land uses including the raising of animals and the cultivation of alfalfa, grain, corn and onions. Hooper lies within one of the fastest growing counties in the state (Weber), in one of the fastest growing states (Utah), and in the middle of the fastest growing region in the country.  As a result, Hooper is currently facing significant residential growth pressure.

The residents of Hooper express a strong desire to maintain the "rural feel" of the area.  Many residents have lived in the area their whole lives, as did their forbearers, and while there is a certain resignation to change, there is also a strong determination to maintain the special or unique aspects of the community.  Some of these include narrow roads, large lots, night skies unobstructed by lighting, and a strong sense of history. 

The citizens of the City of Hooper envision a city that:

• Is rural in nature and provides for future growth while respecting the land use patterns of past and present.
• Provides ample open space and is interconnected by a pathway and public roadway systems.
• Provides a healthy and happy atmosphere for all residents through all stages of life
• Is visually attractive and comfortable for residents and visitors.