The present Railroad Depot was once the site of a large locomotive repair shop facility during the mid-19th century for the North Carolina Railroad. On this site was a camp of recruitment and instruction for the 6th North Carolina Troops during the American Civil War. In July 1861, these troops left Company Shops to ride by rail to the Battle of Manassas, Virginia. this was the first time in American history that military personnel were transported by rail in to combat.