Highland is a small, relatively new community on State Highway 92, two miles north of American Fork. Highland was incorporated into Utah County on July 13, 1977. Its location on the upper benches of the base of the South Wasatch Range gives the town its name. Although its incorporation is relatively recent, settlers began moving to the Highland area in the mid-1870s. In the early 1850s, farmers in nearby Lehi dug a seven-mile trench (by hand!) from Highland to Lehi. The first home in Highland was built by John Poole in 1875 and by 1890, several families had settled the area. They also built a church and a one-room schoolhouse. Alexander Adamson, an immigrant Scottish farmer, bestowed the name "Highland" on the area because it reminded him of the Scottish highlands of his birth. Highland is governed by a mayor and six city council members. Its commercial zone is small, but like Alpine to the north, Highland has continued to experience steady population growth. Its quiet, close-knit feel has attracted many residents to this area, while large lot sizes (homes must be built on a minimum of one acre lots) create an open residential atmosphere. Residents also enjoy one of the lowest property tax rates in Utah Valley. Like other Utah Valley towns, Highland is growing and is currently home to just over 11,000 residents (2003 Census). As with other northern Utah Valley communities, Highland is very accessible to both Salt Lake City and Provo. The Highland Fling is the town's summer festival, which includes sporting competitions, a parade, and children's activities. (Information courtesy Highland City, John Van Cott, UVEDA)
