Gunnison settlers began farming the land to the south in the early 1860's, each claiming acreage under "Squatter's Rights" and later paying a filing fee of $1.25. Water came from the Sanpitch River and fresh mountain springs. By 1877 Michael Nielsen, Chris Sanders, and William D. Child had built homes, and others soon followed. Marie Gribble first taught school in her home, Joseph Christensen later taught the first public school, and Harriet Higham served as the area midwife. Primary and Sunday School branches of the Gunnison L.D.S. Ward were formed in 1882. The Centerfield Ward was organized in 1897 with Andrew Fjeldsted as bishop, and the town was named then for its central location in a fertile field. A post office was established in 1898 with Loraine Anderson as postmistress, and Centerfield was incorporated in 1909 with Lars C. Myrup as town president. On April 9, 1963, a bell was saved from a fire that burned the 81 year old Centerfield Public School building, and the school board gave the bell to the Centerfield DUP Camp.