Axtell, originally called Willow Creek, is a widespread, productive farming community on the boundary of Sanpete and Sevier Counties, established by pioneer Axel Einarsen and a handful of colonists who homesteaded the valley, cleared sagebrush, rocks, and rattlers, built reservoirs and irrigation systems, dug wells, hauled logs, and dug pits for dugout shelters, while some also made adobes of mud and straw. In the spring of 1861, they built a log tithing granary, and their determination endured death, disaster, and the elements. In 1876, Willow Creek was renamed for Governor Samuel B. Axtell in tribute to his friendliness with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during the difficult years before statehood. In 1880, the first school, built of logs and whitewashed inside with clay, opened with slab and pine benches and Hannah Hansen as the first teacher, and children reached it on foot, horseback, or in wagons, buggies, and sleighs depending on the weather. A school building constructed in 1898 then served the community for school, social, and church events, and its bell was used for church, school, fire, flood, danger, and funerals. The rock later used for the monument came from the home of Grover Jensen, identified as the first boy born in Utah after statehood.