The town was previously known as “Creedmore.” No one knows for certain how Creedmoor got its name.

One researcher says the name came from a man named Creed Moor who was a traveling lexicographer, or a person who compiles dictionaries.

Creedmoor is historically the product of bright leaf tobacco and the bounty it brought to the region.

Here’s a timeline of our city’s history, and the buildings that made it what it is today:

Landis-Davis House, c. 1837: The town’s oldest structure; a hall-parlor plan house, built by a man with the surname of Landis.

Lyon Family House, c. 1850: Located at 109 S. Elm St.; this was the first home in Creedmoor.

The city of Creedmoor was founded on April 10, 1885 by Robert Fleming. In this same year, 25 Creedmoor area taxpayers proposed the building of a railroad that would pass through the city. Creedmoor served as a railroad depot between Clarksville and Oxford and between Raleigh and Gaston (1885-1888).

Seaboard Train Depot: The old seaboard train depot still stands at its location on Elm Street (over 120 years old).

Creedmoor Baptist Church: Originally located on Elm Street, built in 1895. The present church building, known as First Baptist, was built in 1950 and stands on Main Street. The old cemetery, still present, is located behind the original church site.

Sion H. Rogers House: Built on East Church St. at the close of the 19th century.

Tobacco Country: Creedmoor “was the center of the finest tobacco producing section in the world; located on the backbone of Pea Ridge, about halfway between the Neuse and Tar Rivers.”  — J.F. Sanderson, 1903

Creedmoor was incorporated in 1905 by Thomas B. Lyon (1815-1902).

Creedmoor High School: Built in 1908 for 150 students; the school was destroyed by a fire in January 1970. The new Creedmoor Community Center, which has recently opened, is constructed on this original site.

R.H. Rogers House: Built in 1909 on Mangum Street; a local merchant, Rogers, ran the Creedmoor Supply Company.

First National Bank, c. 1912: Merged with Citizens’ Bank in 1915; the oldest surviving bank building in the county outside of Oxford. The bank’s establishment was based upon the growth and marketing of bright leaf tobacco, and it also held much of the wealth generated by Creedmoor’s substantial mule trade for mules that pulled the plows for farmers cultivating the tobacco.

Creedmoor Methodist Episcopal Church South: Built in 1913, it originally consisted of a single-room white building. The church, now a brick structure, still occupies this original site on Park Avenue.

Badger G. Rogers House: Built in 1915 on Elm Street around an earlier structure.

Chappell Mule Dealership, 1938: Creedmoor was once known as “the mule capital of the world.” Mules were shipped by train from Memphis, Atlanta, Kansas, Texas and Alabama. Mules benefitted tobacco farmers because they made excellent work animals with their strength and stamina. Creedmoor was known far and wide as Mule Town.

Downtown Creedmoor, c. 1940: By 1940, about 2,000 mules valued at $500,000 were sold yearly in Creedmoor.

Lake Rogers Park, 2018-19: Named after J.H. “Chief” Rogers, who was both fire and police chief during World War II. Lake Rogers was once home to a wastewater treatment plant; the plant was dismantled in 2018, and Creedmoor renovated the park to include activities such as a destination for those wanting to spend an afternoon fishing, go for a paddle on the tranquil water, sit on the boardwalk and watch the sunset, enjoy a picnic, a day at the playground, or a quiet walk through the woods.

Creedmoor Community Center, 2020-21: Built on the site of Creedmoor High School, the new center has just opened with a full list of activities. The center offers a newly constructed recreation facility, including a full-size gymnasium, elevated walking track, and a variety of cardio and strength-building equipment. The center also includes space for formal events and corporate meetings, as well as meals and activities for senior citizens.