Palmyra was selected in 1852 as a suitable place to build a city by Apostle Geo. A. Smith, and the first home was built there in August of that year. Settlers built Fort Palmyra for protection. W.W.Willis was the first mayor, Stephen Markam was the first bishop, and Silas Hillman was the first school teacher. Upon advice from President Brigham Young, the settlers of Palmyra moved to Spanish Fork in 1856.