Selma was formerly known as "Anderson," but the name was changed on July 10, 1897. Selma was founded by Robert C. and Miriam Churchill. Miriam Churchill named the town Selma after her hometown in Van Buren County, Iowa.

Miriam Churchill was the first post mistress of the office which was established on April 2,1895. Selma was originally established as a mining supply and stopover on the stage road.

The Hogue family were early settlers who ranched in the Deer Creek Valley.