The area was first settled in 1865 with three distinct ranching communities: Upper Kanab, Ranch, and Sink Valley. However, the three areas were too spread out for convenient church, school and social opportunities, and in 1901, a relatively flat parcel called Oak Flat (because of the heavy scrub oak growth) was chosen and platted into nine blocks of 10 acres each. The middle block was reserved for a church and school. The first home was moved into town in 1907.The people were not satisfied with the name, Oak Flat. So, on May 1, 1908, a town party was held. Everyone wrote a name on a slip of paper. A two-year-old girl pulled the winning name out of a hat. And that is how this little town was named after Alton, a Norwegian fjord noted for its severe winters. Other names submitted were Snowville, Klondyke, Heatonville, and Oaktown. |