Rolesville Chamber of Commerce

Rolesville History

Rolesville, the second oldest town in Wake County, is located northeast of Raleigh (approx. 12 miles) at the intersection of U.S.Highway 401 North and Rolesville Road (Young Street). The town was named for an early prominent citizen, William (Billy) Roles, and was originally incorporated in 1837. Roles was a landowner, merchant (his store is the present Meeting Hall and Chamber Office), cotton broker and cotton gin owner, postmaster, deacon and trustee of the Baptist Church. In 1832 he also founded the first local school, the Rolesville Academy.

The early town limits were marked by four cornerstones and enclosed by fencing. Three of these cornerstones remain. Gates were set across each of the four sections of roads. Stagecoaches frequently traveled through the intersection on the northern-southern route from Richmond to Fayetteville. "Roles Half-Way House" in the area was a stage stop and "Roger's Tavern" provided rest, refreshments and a change of horses. Both of these structures have long since disappeared. Early travelers included French General and Revolutionary hero, the Marquis de Lafayette, his son George Washington Lafayette and his secretary, Le Vasseur, as they traveled to Raleigh, the state capitol, for a celebration on March 2 and 3, 1825.

Rolesville was incorporated for the second time on February 28, 1941 and the N. C. General Assembly extended the boundaries on March 14, 1945. Since 1903, town officials included a Mayor, Clerk, Treasurer, Tax Collector and a two member Board of Aldermen. The 1941 incorporation changed the officials to a Mayor, Clerk and a five-member Board of Commissioners.

Parts of the original downtown area were destroyed by fire in 1913. The area was reconstructed and some of the current businesses operating in the same downtown area include a beauty salon, flea market, furniture store, and insurance agency.

As early as 1961, gradual progress made such municipal services as city water and garbage collection possible. Postal service was established in 1944. Construction was started on the sewer system in the fall of 1992 and was completed in 1994. The system is connected to the City of Raleigh Sewer System. Plans to expand both the water and sewer systems are underway.

A Police Department was added in 1941, with only a Chief of Police position. In 1975, an assistant or deputy was added to the force. Presently, the town has five full time officers plus several auxiliary officers to provide around the clock police service.

Rolesville’s parks and recreation services at one time were provided by a volunteer commission with members from the town and local community. Presently, the Town of Rolesville Parks & Recreation Department administers and provides all recreational services. The volunteer commission is now divided into two advisory boards. The Greater Rolesville Athletic Committee advises in all athletic issues and still volunteers with the programs and the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board advises in all open space and greenway plans. Through partial town funding, grants and fundraisers, services include children and adult athletic programs, art programs and park development. An annual Recreation Day held in April of each year is a major fundraiser. The Town Park is located behind and shared with the Rolesville Elementary School. The joint venture has produced a picnic shelter, two ball fields, a new concession stand, and a running track on the 10-acre tract of land. Plans are to include a tennis court, walking trails, and an open play area. The Town of Rolesville purchased 35.9 acres in November 2002 for development as a new town park located on South Main Street. Phase I of the Main St. Park was officially opened on September 15th of 2005. Phase II of the Main St. Park is expected to be open in August of 2008.  

The Rolesville Rural Fire Department was organized in 1958 with 28 volunteers and is funded by county tax percentage and donations. All of today’s 35 firemen are volunteers. The Rolesville Emergency Medical Service was formed in 1995 and provides emergency medical coverage. All of its members are volunteers except for the Chief, which is a paid, full-time position. The EMS holds an annual fundraiser each April.

Other amenities include medical services, which are provided Dr. Rikhye; Family Medicine Center now located in Rolesville. Dr. Janice Heard provides dental services and is located in the same building as the medical services. A veterinary practice is located in another building behind the Medical Complex.

A new elementary school building was constructed in July 1991 on the site of the original 12 grade facility. The new school, located on Highway 401(the town’s Main Street), has received several awards of excellence.

As the town grows, industry and commercial growth continues. The Redford Place Shopping Center was built in 1992. Current tenants include a grocery store, hardware store, gift shop and a bank. Other businesses include a restaurant, beauty shop and tanning salon. Several national franchise restaurants; Hardee’s, Subway and McDonald’s have chosen to locate in Rolesville. In addition to growth at Redford Place; Pine Glo, a manufacturer of liquid cleaning products, remains a major employer in the area. In the spring of 1998, the Rolesville Oil Company and Car Quest relocated to Highway 401 South. They have added the Rolesville Tire and Auto Center to the new location.
The town’s newest shopping center was completed in November 2002 and the NC State Employee Credit Union just opened in November 2002 with other shops preparing to open.

In 1991, the Rolesville businesses joined together to form a non-profit Rolesville Business Association. This group helps promote commercial and civic interest throughout the Rolesville area, and its 52 members currently have re-organized as Rolesville Chamber of Commerce.

There are several residential subdivisions in Rolesville. Olde Towne Subdivision, Brandiwood Subdivision and Wall Creek Subdivision continue to add new single family dwellings and several pre-sold homes. Al's Acres and Watkins Farm subdivisions also have been expanding. Villages of Rolesville, Stratford Village and Stratford Townhouses are three of the newest approved subdivision soon to be built.

Due to its close proximity to Raleigh, Rolesville expects to expand its’ residential, commercial and industrial sectors. In anticipation of that growth, the Town staff, in cooperation with the town’s citizens and elected officials, have prepared a comprehensive land use plan and thoroughfare plan to guide the growth so as to preserve Rolesville’s rural charm.