Settlers came to the area that was to become Mapleton in 1870 for livestock grazing, logging and farming. Many of the early Mormon pioneers planted cherry orchards on the north bench. In 1900, the area was named Union Bench.
A year later the name was changed to Mapleton — after groves of maple trees in the area.
Mapleton was not incorporated until April 1, 1948.
Sierra Bonita Mountain, which rises majestically to the east, also is called Maple Mountain.
Today, about 40 percent of land in the city — which covers 11 square miles — is covered by houses.
About 6,500 residents call Mapleton home, including 3rd Congressional Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah, but state officials project the city will grow to 20,000 residents by 2020.
Mapleton has almost a dozen baseball diamonds, seven soccer and football fields and a handful of tennis courts. Household size averages 3.97 people per home, and the largest employer is Mapleton city with more than 30 employees.