Centerfield in Sanpete County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Centerfield
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, June 14, 2014
1. Centerfield Marker
Gunnison settlers began farming the land to the south in the early 1860's, each claiming his acreage under "Squatter's Rights" and later paying a filing fee of $1.25. Water was obtained from the Sanpitch River and fresh mountain springs. By 1877 Michael Nielsen, Chris Sanders, and William D. Child had constructed homes and others soon followed. School was first taught by Marie Gribble in her home. Joseph Christensen later taught the first public school and Harriet Higham served as the area midwife. Primary and Sunday School branches of the Gunnison L.D.S.
Ward were formed in 1882. The Centerfield Ward was organized in 1897 with Andrew Fjeldsted as bishop. The town name was chosen at that time due to its central location in a fertile field. A post office was established in 1898 with Loraine Anderson as post mistress. Centerfield was incorporated in 1909 with Lars C. Myrup serving as town president.
Small plaque above marker
April 9, 1963, this bell was saved from a fire that burned the 81 year old Centerfield Public School building. The school board gave the bell to the Centerfield DUP Camp.
Erected
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of Utah Pioneers series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1861.
Location. 39° 7.308′ N, 111° 49.172′ W. Marker is in Centerfield, Utah, in Sanpete County. Marker is on South Main Street, 0.1 miles north of 300 South Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Centerfield UT 84622, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. First Public Buildings (here, next to this marker); Casino / Star Theatre (approx. 2.2 miles away); Life on the Land (approx. 2.3 miles away); The Colonists of Clarion (approx. 2.3 miles away); “Back to the Soil” (approx. 2.3 miles away); Gunnison (approx. 2.6 miles away); Settlement of Axtell (approx. 4.6 miles away); Mayfield Centennial (approx. 6 miles away).
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, June 14, 2014
2. Centerfield Marker on left
First Public Buildings Marker is on the right.
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, June 14, 2014
3. Centerfield Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2014, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 438 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 29, 2014, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
