Pioneers settled the area as early as 1806, a voting precinct was established in 1827, and the town was incorporated in 1837. George Smith, a major landowner of the town site, built the first log house and established a mercantile business in 1814. John Miller excavated a millrace and erected a gristmill and sawmill in 1819. William Hayter served as the first postmaster from 1827 to 1839. The town became a thriving commercial center for a prosperous agricultural community, was once known as "The Watercress Capital of the World," and was greatly respected for the development of religious and educational endeavors and for furnishing political leadership in local and state government.