Originally established as Marshalltown in 1880, this little narrow-gauge railroad town was renamed in 1882 after local rancher, postmaster, and merchant Joseph Sargent. By 1881, Sargents had become the site of a D&RGW helper station, where many helper engines were needed for the long pull up the Marshall Pass grade. The current water tank was built in 1937 to replace the smaller original tank and was one of the largest on the narrow-gauge line. Although water tanks stood every few miles along the narrow-gauge tracks, few remain on their original site. The Upper Tomichi Historical and Community Association acquired the structure in 2005 to ensure its preservation.