The county of Nash was formed in 1777 and derived its name from Revolutionary War hero, General Francis Nash. In 1816, Rocky Mount was used for the first time to designate the area's first post office. The Civil War came Rocky Mount in 1863 when. Federal troops in a one-day raid destroyed the cotton mill, the railroad bridge and surrounding buildings. Reconstruction was difficult for the South and Rocky Mount was no different. By the turn of the century, Rocky Mount was becoming a center of cotton and tobacco production. By 1960 Rocky Mount was the world's largest bright leaf tobacco market. The 1960s also saw the diversification of the area's economy, highlighted by the founding of Hardee's Food Systems in 1961. Formed by Rocky Mount natives Jim Gardner and Leonard Rawls, Hardee's has grown to become a giant in the fast food business. Rocky Mount is home to major manufacturers in the fields of aeronautics, pharmaceuticals, and diesel engines. The area also boasts fast food franchising, food distribution, food preparation, agribusiness, and egg production.
Rocky Mount was the home to a number of famous people. Jazz musician Thelonious Monk was born in Rocky Mount. Buck Leonard star Negro League player of the Pittsburgh Greys was known as the Babe Ruth of the Negro Leagues. Buck Williams and Phil Ford were basketball stars in the Atlantic Coast Conference and National Basketball League. Jerry Richardson was an end with the Baltimore Colts during their early championship days. He took his earnings and invested it in the Hardee’s franchises, becoming their largest owner. Eventually he brought professional football to North Carolina as the founding owner of the Carolina Panthers.
When visiting Rocky Mount there are a number of museums that interest almost anyone. The Rocky Mount Fire Museum showcases over 100 years of history in the old Rocky Mount Fore Station. Look for the original horse drawn steam engine used until 1922. The Country Doctor Museum provides a glimpse into the life of the old family doctor by show casing the offices of two doctors who practiced in the area during and after the Civil War.
Festivals are a great way to experience all that a community has to offer. In Rocky Mount there are many to visit no mater what time of the year you visit. In March, attend the International Festival of Cultures. The festival is held at Nash Community College. The Living History Weekend at Stonewall Manor is held in April to provide a glimpse of the Civil War era. May brings the Harambee Festival with the sights and sounds of native African-American culture celebrated in Harambee Square. Nashville Blooming Festival provides a May weekend of fun and casual entertainment featuring unique crafts, live music, great food, and children's rides and activities.
Tar Riverfest is a June day of family fun-in-the-sun. Activities include exploring the Tar River in canoes and kayaks, a children's fishing derby, exhibits, entertainment and food. September means the Rocky Mount Fair. It's the area's largest, fun-filled carnival with dozens of rides, exhibits and great food. The Fall Gospel Classic in October provides Gospel music performed by artists from throughout the world.