Darby was established in the early 1800’s. The area became a good place for a store and post office due to the development of mining, logging and ranching in this area.

The railroad was soon extended to Darby. Darby was named in 1888 by its Postmaster James Darby who consulted no one about what the town should be named. (Earlier names were Doolittle and Harrison).

Darby has survived three fires that destroyed its main street. The ups and downs of its economy have affected Darby’s growth. First it was the mining and fur trading that slowed, then in the early 1900’s came a logging boom for Anaconda Mining Company interests. The "Apple Boom" was also during this time. Next came the steady growth of agriculture, cattle ranching and the timber industry. In the early 1900's surveys were begun for the Bitterroot Irrigation District using Lake Como, which is directly west of Darby.

Darby has changed over the years from a sleepy little town, to a thriving little community. Its unique shops and friendly people make this town one of the valley's best places to visit.