The first settlers in Payson came looking for gold and silver. They were prospectors with few belongings and no women. Mines in the area produced little wealth, but gradually families came to the area and built farms.

Payson was founded in 1882. Two smaller towns in the area were founded prior to that… Pine in 1879 and Strawberry in 1864. When the Payson Post Office opened on March 9, 1884, the town grew up around it.

Payson is the home to the World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo, celebrating its 121st consecutive year in August, 2005.