The community and nearby Hamilton Mountain were named for John Henry Hamilton, the first settler in the area.[4][5] Hamilton, a cattle rancher, arrived in Grant County sometime in 1874 and lived there until his death in 1909.[4] Local settlers met at Hamilton's ranch to race horses.[4] Hamilton post office was established in 1884 and closed in 1959.[4] Anson C. Frink built the first store and served as the first postmaster.[4]