The town of Huntsville and its surrounding area were settled by dedicated and hardworking men and women who arrived in 1860 determined to overcome the harsh elements of a high mountain climate and establish a community. Despite late springs, early frosts, and hostilities from Indians, they turned the hills and meadows into productive fields of grain, alfalfa, pastures, orchards, and gardens. A few head of cattle grew into herds, dairy farming took root, and a sense of permanence was established. As the community grew, hopes, dreams, and opportunity drew many courageous people who built sawmills and gristmills, formed irrigation companies, and worked in many trades, including masonry, carpentry, blacksmithing, shepherding, shoemaking, basket making, midwifery, wagon making, mechanics, and teaching, creating a community diverse in its elements yet unified as a whole. Huntsville remained a farming community until the needs and demands of World War II brought new opportunities and changes.