Preparation was the first settlement in Spring Valley Township.[2] Preparation was founded in 1853 by a schismatic Latter Day Saint sect led by Charles B. Thompson.[3] The community was named from their belief that life on Earth was a preparation for the afterlife.[4] A post office was established at Preparation in 1854, and remained in operation until it was discontinued in 1904.[1]
In 1890, Preparation was home to "a store, post-office and smithy. According to the State census of 1885, the town at that time had a total population
of 588, all of American birth with the exception of some ninety-seven, who are nearly all Scandinavians."[2]
The site of Preparation is now a part of Preparation Canyon State Park.[3]