Murray is a city located on the Wasatch Front in the heart of Salt Lake Valley in the state of Utah. Named after territorial governor Eli Murray, the city was officially recognized as a third-class city in 1903. It shares borders with several neighboring communities, including Taylorsville, Holladay, South Salt Lake, Millcreek, and West Jordan. Due to its central location within Salt Lake County, it is often referred to as the "Hub of Salt Lake County."
The area was originally settled by Mormon pioneers in the late 1840s and was known by several names, including South Cottonwood, before being renamed Murray in 1883. The region's economy underwent a significant transformation following the discovery of ore in nearby areas in 1869. This led to the establishment of large regional smelters in Murray starting in 1870, which spurred industrial growth and attracted a diverse workforce from Eastern Europe and Asia. In recent years, the city's economic base has shifted away from heavy industry toward healthcare, retail, and professional, scientific, and technical services.