Smithfield, located in Cache County, is eight miles north of Logan. Smithfield was settled in October of 1859 by Seth Langton and by Robert and John Thornley, who had been living in Salt Lake City. The original pioneers were joined by additional settlers who were primarily from Salt Lake and Davis counties in the spring of 1860. The first settlement was located approximately one-half mile west of the present site and was originally called Summit, because of its location on Summit Creek. The town was surveyed in March 1860 by the territorial surveyor, Jessie Fox.

In July 1860 the settlers were attacked by a band of Shoshone Indians, and when the skirmish was over two white men had been killed. The settlers moved closer together and eventually sixty-eight houses were constructed in fort lines. For protection, the men worked in groups whenever they left the fort. Crops were planted, including wheat, oats, corn, squash, sugarcane, beans, carrots, peas, beets, parsnips, potatoes, and flax. A few fruit trees also were planted.