History of Orem Utah
Orem’s early history is closely tied to that of Provo, because of the cities’ close proximity. Indians made their home in Utah Valley, and fur traders roamed and hunted the mountains and canyons. Later Orem (known at the time as “Provo bench”) was settled by farmers, and they grew many fertile fields and orchards. It existed as a beautiful extension of Provo.
Orem was incorporated in 1919 as the people living there felt that this new town would be able to finance a water system for the region, something badly needed. They took the new name from the owner of the railroad running between Salt Lake City and Provo, Walter Orem. Homesteads sprung up along the main highway through the territory (now State Street) and spread out to the secondary roads that gave access to the fields. Now much of the farmland has turned into the urban area you see today, with lovely shopping areas and residential districts.
http://www.onlineutah.com/oremhistory.shtml
