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The area now known as Fairmont has a deep and layered history that reflects the broader cultural and geographic influences of southeastern North Carolina. Long before European settlement, Indigenous peoples, including ancestors of the Lumbee Tribe, inhabited the region, utilizing the swamps, rivers, and fertile lowlands for hunting, fishing, and agriculture. These early communities established trade routes and settlements along waterways that later guided colonial development. Robeson County was formed in 1787 from parts of Bladen County, and the land that would become Fairmont remained rural for many decades, shaped by agriculture and small family homesteads.

Fairmont was originally known as Ashpole, named after the nearby Ashpole Swamp, a defining geographic feature of the region. The town's identity began to change in the late 19th century as railroads expanded across Robeson County. In 1890, the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad extended service through the area, providing a critical economic catalyst. To reflect a more marketable image and encourage growth, the town was renamed Fairmont. The railroad transformed the community into a shipping and trading point for agricultural products, particularly tobacco, cotton, and naval stores, which were central to the local economy.

Economic development in Fairmont accelerated as farming operations expanded and supporting industries emerged. Tobacco warehouses, cotton gins, lumber operations, and small manufacturing enterprises provided employment and attracted merchants and skilled laborers. The surrounding countryside was heavily agricultural, with sharecropping and tenant farming common well into the early 20th century. Fairmont's downtown developed with general stores, banks, hotels, and service businesses that catered to both town residents and rural farmers. This period established Fairmont as an important commercial center within western Robeson County.

Infrastructure improvements played a vital role in shaping Fairmont's growth and connectivity. While the railroad initially drove development, the rise of automobile travel brought significant changes. Roads linking Fairmont to Lumberton, Maxton, and neighboring communities were gradually improved and paved, increasing accessibility and regional integration. Over time, state highways strengthened Fairmont's position within the county's transportation network. Public utilities, including water systems, electricity, and later telecommunications, modernized the town and supported residential expansion throughout the mid-20th century.

Fairmont's community character has long been defined by its cultural diversity and strong local institutions. The town reflects the broader demographic composition of Robeson County, with Lumbee, African American, and European American populations contributing to its social fabric. Churches, schools, and civic organizations have historically served as anchors of community life. Public education, athletics, and seasonal events fostered civic pride and social cohesion. Despite economic shifts and population changes, Fairmont has maintained a resilient identity rooted in family ties, tradition, and shared history.

Today, Fairmont offers a contemporary snapshot of small-town living in southeastern North Carolina. The town combines historic neighborhoods with newer residential development, appealing to homeowners seeking affordability and a slower pace of life. Proximity to Lumberton provides access to healthcare, retail, and employment opportunities, while Fairmont itself retains a strong sense of local identity. Community amenities, local businesses, and regional connectivity support a stable residential environment. Fairmont's blend of history, cultural richness, and practical livability continues to make it an attractive location for families, retirees, and property investors within Robeson County.