In 1837 Joseph Parrett had 42 lots surveyed and platted on the north bank of the Eel River and named the town Springfield. Also in 1837 a post office was established and named Whitley by the department, because there was another Springfield in the state. When a post office was established at the county seat named Whitley Court House, the name was changed to South Whitley and has remained so. Whitley County was organized in 1838, making South Whitley and its post office older than the county.