Our History

The town of Centreville, as it was first spelled, officially became the Leon County Seat on January 24, 1850. D. C. Carrington donated 100 acres of land and another 100 acres was purchased for a token price of five dollars from Robert J. Townes. The County kept the town square and sold off the rest which became the current City of Centerville. Thomas H. Garner built the first house south of the courthouse square. W. B. Johnson and Brother had the first business to be established. W. A. Saunders built the first hotel and D. N. Whatley built the first drug store. H. A. McWhirter conducted the first school in back of the drug store. Centerville’s first church building was constructed and shared by all denominations. The first post office was established with Wm. B. Johnson as postmaster. In 1882, the city had grown and had a district school, a gristmill and cotton gin and a population of 400. Centerville is yet a lively place to live, with good schools, churches and a fine social climate.