[3] The small township lies approximately six kilometres (3.7 mi) north of Truro on the Eudunda Road.

It was first laid out in 1866 and lots were advertised for sale in the German-language newspaper Südaustralische Zeitung.

Francis was the younger brother of Frederick Dutton, the proprietor of Anlaby Station, near Kapunda.

Dutton North School, built on the Levi's Water Hole property near the boundary with Frankton, opened in 1914 and closed in 1927.

[5] The historic former St John's Lutheran Manse and Blacksmith's Shop and Dwelling are listed on the South Australian Heritage Register.