W. F. Holt established the Holtville townsite in 1903, built the first electric power plant at 3rd and Holt and the Holton Interurban RR, started the first church and the first newspaper, and donated a park to the citizens of Holtville to be enjoyed in perpetuity. Holtville was incorporated in June 1908, with incorporation carried by a vote of 56 to 8, and became known as the "Carrot capitol of the world."