Rowland: History and Local Character

Rowland combines a historic center with an agricultural character. The Rowland Main Street Historic District is located in Rowland’s historic business district in southwestern Robeson County, North Carolina. Other highlights include town festivals and celebrations, as well as the surrounding fertile farmland. This makes it possible to choose where to stay based on different travel plans: history, an event date, or the community’s rural character.

Rowland’s Historic Business District

The Rowland Main Street Historic District comprises forty buildings and one additional structure. It meets National Register Criteria A and C in the areas of commerce, transportation, and architecture. Its scope draws attention to an entire historic business district rather than a single building. The three areas also show the perspectives that come together here: commerce, transportation, and architecture. For travelers seeking a historic point of interest in Rowland, the district offers a specific anchor for exploring the town’s history.

Main Street also provides a sense of direction: as it leaves Rowland’s town limits, it becomes US 501/NC 130 and heads northwest toward Laurinburg, the county seat of Scotland County. This description therefore connects Main Street with a specific direction and named destination beyond the business district.

The Depot, Railroad History, and Getting Your Bearings

The history of the Rowland Historic Train Depot dates back to the late 19th century. During this period, the arrival of the railroad contributed to Rowland’s founding and incorporation in 1889. The railroad thus features both in the community’s founding story and as a theme of the Historic District, whose significance includes transportation. The restored depot houses the McKellar Museum, which is soon to reopen. If you plan to visit the museum, check its reopening status in advance. A path lined with commemorative bricks extends from the front of the depot toward Main Street.

Festivals and the Agricultural Setting

The town’s festivals and celebrations include the Spring Festival, Veterans Day activities, and the Christmas Parade. If one of these events is the reason for your trip, check the specific dates before making travel plans. This lets you plan your stay around the festival that interests you without assuming a fixed event date.

Rowland is an agricultural community surrounded by fertile, productive farmland. This aspect of its character complements the history of the business district and the railroad with a glimpse of the agricultural setting. The Rowland Town Park is also available for bookings. If you would like to include a park booking in your plans, check the details with the town. Alongside the historical highlights, this gives you another specific point to consider when planning your trip.

Explore more destinations: Pembroke, St Pauls, Lumberton

Return to the broader travel guide: Robeson County.