Centerville

On a crisp autumn day in 1847, Thomas Grover arrived in what is now Centerville, Utah. He became the first settler of this “City In-Between.” Centerville got its name because of its location precisely between Farmington and Bountiful. Centerville is nestled in southeastern Davis County, part of the Ogden-Clearfield Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city sits near the eastern edge of the Great Salt Lake. Originally, Centerville was known as Deuel Settlement, named after the Deuel brothers, Osmyn and William, who arrived shortly after Grover. These brothers, skilled blacksmiths and farmers, played a pivotal role in Centerville’s development. They built one of the first homes, a sturdy log cabin. This cabin has withstood the test of time and still stands today. William later established the first blacksmith shop. He eventually moved south to help settle Panguitch at the behest of Brigham Young. Osmyn, however, remained in Centerville. He became a respected figure in the community. His contributions are still remembered today through Deuel Creek, named in honor of the brothers. Also, Osmyn’s unique rock house, one of the first stone homes in Centerville, remains a testament to his legacy. You can find his final resting place in the Centerville City Cemetery. In 1850, a survey confirmed Centerville’s central location between Farmington and Bountiful, solidifying the name “Centerville.” By 1869, the Utah Central Rail Road connected Centerville to the wider region. Over time, Centerville faced challenges, including destructive floods in 1923 and 1930. These floods ravaged homes, roads, and farmland. In 1915, Centerville officially became a city. This incorporation paved the way for essential developments. One of which was the implementation of a culinary water system in the 1920s. This initial system, constructed with wood-stave pipes, was later modernized with metal pipes in 1936. Centerville also experienced a significant boost with the arrival of Weber Basin water in 1957 and the installation of a sewer system in 1959. Today, Centerville is a thriving city. It boasts a rich history and a strong sense of community.