Wasatch in Ute means "mountain pass" or "low pass over high range." The county's highest peaks top 10,000 feet, and over half of the land is 7,500 feet above sea level. The first settlers came into Wasatch County from Utah Valley in the spring of 1859 and located a short distance north of present Heber City at the London or John McDonald Spring. That same year, a number of families began locating farther to the west along Snake Creek, establishing two small communities. The first was a mile and a half south of present Midway; the second was about three miles north of the first.

In 1866, because of Indian hostilities, settlers were encouraged to construct forts for protection. The two Snake Creek settlements reached an agreement to build a fort halfway or midway between the two existing communities--hence the name Midway. Because the valley was isolated, residents had to work together to survive. That same spirit of cooperation exists today in the Heber Valley between various government entities. One result is Wasatch Economic Development which is a joint venture between Wasatch County, Heber City, Midway, and the Jordanelle Basin.