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The area known today as Erwin, located in southern Harnett County, has deep roots reaching back to the early Indigenous inhabitants who occupied the region long before European settlement. Native peoples, including tribes of the Siouan linguistic family, relied on the Cape Fear River and the fertile lands surrounding it for hunting, agriculture, and trade. European settlers began to arrive during the 1700s, primarily farmers of English and Scots-Irish descent who established homesteads in the largely wooded and agricultural terrain. Prior to its incorporation, the community existed as a sparsely populated rural area marked by farms, timberlands, and small crossroads settlements typical of early Harnett County.

Erwin's transformation into a thriving mill town began in the early 20th century when the Duke family, owners of the American Tobacco Company, expanded into the textile industry. In 1903, the Erwin Cotton Mills Company constructed a major textile plant along the Cape Fear River, sparking rapid growth and shaping the town's identity for generations. Originally called Duke, the town was renamed Erwin in 1926 to honor J. Erwin, a prominent figure associated with the mill's leadership. The Erwin Mills complex became one of the largest denim manufacturers in the South, employing thousands of workers and dramatically altering the economic landscape. Residential mill villages, schools, churches, and local businesses developed around the plant, forming a self-sustaining community forged by the rhythms of the textile industry.

Transportation and infrastructure significantly influenced the evolution of Erwin throughout the 20th century. The construction and improvement of major roadways, including U.S. Highway 421 and the proximity to Interstate 95, enhanced access to nearby cities such as Dunn, Fayetteville, and Raleigh. Rail lines serving the textile mill further supported industrial operations by transporting raw materials and finished goods across the state and beyond. As the region modernized, Erwin benefited from public works improvements, expanded water and sewer services, and increased accessibility, all of which attracted both businesses and residents. These infrastructure advancements helped maintain Erwin's economic vitality even as the textile industry began to experience broader national shifts.

Community character has long been a defining aspect of Erwin. The town built a legacy around its mill-village culture, where many generations worked in the textile mill and lived in the neatly arranged company-built homes. Schools, civic organizations, and churches fostered a strong sense of belonging, and community traditions became intertwined with the identity of the mill and the town itself. When Erwin Mills closed in 2000 due to changes in the global textile market, the town faced significant challenges, including job losses and economic restructuring. However, the resilience of the community guided efforts to revitalize the area. Residents, local leaders, and businesses worked to diversify the economy, preserve historical structures, and attract new development, keeping the community spirit intact despite the shifts in industry.

Today, Erwin is recognized as a welcoming and steadily growing community that blends its industrial heritage with modern small-town appeal. The area is known for its quiet neighborhoods, access to outdoor recreation such as the Cape Fear River Trail Park, and proximity to educational institutions like Campbell University in nearby Buies Creek. Erwin offers convenient access to major employment centers while maintaining a slower pace of life that appeals to families, retirees, and those seeking a more rural setting. With ongoing revitalization efforts, new housing developments, and community-oriented amenities, Erwin continues to evolve while honoring the legacy of its historic mill roots.