[5] The city was named for Jeremiah Abel Holt (1811–1886), who donated the land in 1837 and who was one of the first settlers in the area, a native of Orange County, North Carolina.

[6] Holt has the distinction of holding the world record for the fastest accumulation of rainfall.

On June 22, 1947, Holt received 12 inches (300 mm) of rain in 42 minutes.

[7][8] Holt is located on the Clinton - Clay county line west of I-35.

The Lake Arrowhead reservoir on Muddy Fork of Clear Creek lies north of the community.

[9] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.45 square miles (1.17 km2), all land.

28.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.