Previously Eastern Shoshone and Goshute land, Roy was settled in 1873 by William Evans Baker, twenty-five years after Ogden. Most of the communities to the east and south had been settled prior to that time. Previously known as Central City, Sandridge, the Basin, and Lakeview—Roy was ultimately named for a local school teacher's child, Roy C. Peebles, who had died. On May 24, 1894, a post office was established and Roy's name was made official. The City of Roy was incorporated on March 10, 1937. Joseph William Jensen was the first mayor of Roy for 6 years, as elected by the commissioners.