Rocky Mount, Virginia, serves as the county seat of Franklin County and is a significant part of the Roanoke Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town's origins date back to the 1740s when Robert Hill built a block house used as a fortified residence and trading post for dealings with Native Americans. English settlers arrived in the 1760s, naming the town for a prominent steep cliff nearby. Initially, Rocky Mount and the adjacent village of Mount Pleasant formed the core of the settlement.

In the late 18th century, the Washington Iron Furnace, established by James Callaway and Jeremiah Early, became a cornerstone of local industry. Positioned along what is now Main Street, this furnace played a crucial role until it suffered damage in a flood around 1850, with its operations ceasing during the Civil War. This period marked a significant chapter in Rocky Mount's development, with the first court session in the area being held in 1786 after the Revolutionary War, in the residence of Callaway, who later donated land for a courthouse made of logs.

By the early 19th century, Rocky Mount had been formalized with divided lots, and by 1836, it had a bustling community centered around the iron furnace, supporting about 100 workers. This industrial enterprise sat among a town of roughly 275 residents, featuring 30 houses and several businesses, including three grocery stores and a newspaper/printing office. Despite no battles occurring directly within the town during the Civil War, Rocky Mount played a role as a refuge for planter families from the Tidewater region, including the family of Confederate general Henry A. Wise.

Post-war, the town continued to evolve. In 1873, it was incorporated, absorbing Mount Pleasant and setting its modern boundaries. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw further growth and industrialization, driven by the railroad which linked Rocky Mount to broader commercial networks. The Norfolk and Western Railway, established through the town in the 1890s, catalyzed significant industrial and commercial development, exemplified by ventures like the Canada Dry Mills and the Bald Knob furniture factory.

The 20th century heralded new architectural developments and community infrastructure, including the current Franklin County courthouse built in 1909, an elegant reflection of the period's civic pride. The town's growth was also mirrored in its commitment to public welfare, with investments in schools and public buildings, many of which were segregated until the latter half of the century.

Today, Rocky Mount is a testament to a history of resilience and adaptability, boasting a blend of historic structures and modern facilities, reflecting a community that respects its past while looking forward to a future of continued growth and development.