Creelsboro was laid out in 1809 and named for Elijah and Elza Creel, pioneers whose son Reuben served the US in Mexico and whose son Enrique served Mexico in the US. During the Mexican War, Reuben was an interpreter for Gen. W. T. Ward, remained there afterward, and was appointed US Consul in 1863 by Pres. Lincoln. Enrique later served as Governor of Chihuahua State from 1903 to 1906 and as Mexican Ambassador to the US from 1906 to 1909.