Syracuse, a small, nostalgic farm community located about 25 miles north of Salt Lake City and bordering the eastern shore of the Great Salt Lake, was officially settled by Mormon pioneers in the 1850s. Before that time, it was open land occupied by Native Americans and frequented by mountain men. At the turn of the 20th century, Syracuse became a small farming community with dedicated, hardworking people. Many notable pioneer families settled strong roots that made Syracuse what it is today. After World War II, Syracuse slowly developed into an urban sprawl. While the 21st century has transitioned Syracuse from a farming community to a fast-growing city, the people and land continue to exemplify industrious values.