About Centerville

Brief History of Centerville City

Centerville was first settled in 1847 by Thomas Grover. As new settlers made this area home, it took on the names of some of the more prominent families. After the Deuel Brothers came to the community it became known as the Deuel Creek, then Cherry Creek. In 1850, a survey found that the town lay perfectly between Farmington and Bountiful, naturally taking on the name of Centerville. As the community continued to grow, structures became more robust, shifting from log construction to adobe, and then to the abundant rock found in many of the historic homes today.

Early settlers of the community were industrious and constructed several shops. These shops included grocery stores, mills, nurseries, a meat market, blacksmith, shoemakers, carpenters, tailors, cabinetmakers, and a cooperage. Most notable of these shops was the Centerville Co-op established in 1869, which was located on the northeast corner of Main Street and Center Street. The co-op stayed in operation for over 70 years, finally closing in 1940. Since then, the building that was built in 1903 has been used for many different purposes. In 1866, a stagecoach station was built for the Wells Fargo Company, connecting Centerville to the broader regional transportation network. This building was later converted to the Elkhorn Hall, which served as a vital community center and church following the completion of the Utah Central Railroad.

The arrival of the railroad marked a significant shift in Centerville’s development, transitioning from an isolated agricultural settlement to a connected community with access to Salt Lake City and points north. These transportation improvements attracted new residents and businesses, establishing patterns of growth that continue to influence the city today. Centerville City was officially incorporated in 1915. Since then, the city has grown as a bedroom community supporting the greater Salt Lake Metropolitan area. It has maintained its diversity of commercial uses, deep historic roots, strong community-centric mentality, and a general small-town feel.

Regional Context

Centerville, Utah, located in Davis County, is positioned between Farmington to the north and Bountiful to the south, within the Wasatch Front region. Centerville benefits from its proximity to Salt Lake City, approximately 15 miles to the south. Major roadway transportation systems include Interstate 15 (I-15), which runs through Centerville, providing easy access to both Salt Lake City and Ogden; Legacy Parkway (SR-67), a scenic alternative route; and Main Street, the key state road connection between communities. Centerville has public transit options provided by the Utah Transit Authority (UTA), with several bus routes connecting to other parts of Davis County and the greater Salt Lake City area.

The nearest FrontRunner commuter rail stations, located in Farmington and Woods Cross, offer convenient commuting options. Centerville features popular trails such as the Legacy Parkway Trail and the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, which connect with regional trail systems. This strategic location provides residents with exceptional access to employment, education, and recreation throughout the Wasatch Front.

Major employers, universities, and world-class outdoor recreation options are all within a 30-minute radius, allowing residents to enjoy small-town living while maintaining easy access to urban amenities. This unique positioning has made Centerville an increasingly desirable location for families seeking the perfect balance between community character and regional connectivity.