Kanosh dates to 28 April 1867, when Brigham Young, with the approval of Chief Kanosh, advised pioneers to move from Petersburg (Hatton), Utah, to the area then known as the campground of the Pahvant Tribe of Indians. When this move took place in 1867-1868, approximately 100 pioneers and 500 Native Americans were living there. At that time, the chief and many of his tribe were baptized members of the Mormon church. Mortimer Wilson Warner, a local pioneer, is credited with suggesting that the town be named Kanosh in honor of the tribal chief.