The area was first homesteaded by John C. Phillips and Daniel W. Mann in about 1891.[4] Mann called the area "Promised Land" and "Land of Promise", so when a post office was established in 1896, it was called "Promise".[4] Thomas C. Miller was the first postmaster, and the office ran until 1944.[4] At one time Promise had a school.[5]
An annual Promise reunion is held for residents, descendants and friends at the Promise Grange Hall.[6]