The city's name was changed to Lake City in 1852 and stayed that way until 1860. For a short time, it was called McArthursville after an area farmer before taking back its original moniker.
The city was settled in the summer of 1850.
Population at last census was 21,941.
Per household income was $51,955 in 2000.
The city covers 7.5 square miles, or about 4,800 acres.
Its largest employer is the Alpine School District with 6,213 employees.
Outstanding features include:
Timpanogos Cave National Monument
Alpine Loop Scenic Byway
Outstanding events include:
Annual Steel Days festival with parade, food, sporting tournaments, art shows and fireworks
Historical sketch:
American Fork was settled in 1850 by settlers traveling to Fort Provo. Many who traveled along the route enjoyed the area's beauty as they traveled south.
Settlers originally wanted to install cattle and sheep ranches, but as the city grew agriculture took over. The city combines a small-town atmosphere with many new business and high-tech ventures.
American Fork is named after the American Fork River, but it was known as Lake City for about eight years before residents changed the name back to American Fork to distinguish it from Salt Lake City.
The city has many young families with only 35 percent of the population older than 35 years.