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New London lies in the heart of Stanly County, part of North Carolina's Piedmont region. The area was originally part of Montgomery County until the formation of Stanly in 1841. Before European settlement, the region was traversed by Indigenous peoples, including groups related to the Catawba and other Siouan-language tribes that inhabited the Carolina Piedmont. In the early 19th century the locale that became New London was called Bilesville, named after Thomas Biles Jr. and his wife Elizabeth Betsy Sides Biles, who settled a farm at one of the higher elevations in the area around 1830.

As the county evolved, local development followed agricultural and mineral opportunities. Gold was discovered on the Howell Parker farm in 1859, part of the Carolina gold rush era. During the Civil War, mining operations ceased, but in the 1870s an English concern, New London & States Co., Ltd., acquired the property and resumed development. At their suggestion, the community's name was changed to "New London," in hopes the town would flourish like its namesake. The town was officially incorporated on March 25, 1891. Over time, mills, brickworks, lumber operations, and auxiliary enterprises supported the local economy, even as agriculture (corn, cotton, livestock) remained an anchor in Stanly County's broader economic base.

Transportation and infrastructure also shaped New London's growth. The arrival of the Yadkin Railroad in 1891 spurred commerce and connectivity to other regions of the county. North Carolina Highway 740, a state route, now runs northeast to New London from Albemarle and Badin, threading through the region and linking residents to neighboring towns. Over the decades, utilities such as telephone, electricity, paved roads, and eventually municipal water and sewer services were introduced. The railroad lines and road networks facilitated mobility, trade, and expansion of services to support a small but stable populace.

Community life in New London reflects both its rural roots and small-town character. In its early decades, local churches, schools, and civic organizations emerged to bind residents together. In 1923, just three years after women gained national suffrage, New London elected Mrs. T. V. Staton as mayor, marking a milestone in local governance. The town maintains a community center, parks, a fire department, and its own historical museum at 226 South Main Street. Many residents appreciate a quieter pace of life, walking paths, and neighborly interaction rather than urban bustle.

Today New London is a quaint, attractive small town tucked between Albemarle and Richfield along U.S. 52, approximately 45 miles east-northeast of Charlotte. While modest in size, it offers a peaceful setting, access to recreational areas such as Badin Lake and Morrow Mountain State Park, and proximity to larger cities. Its homes range from modest single-family residences to custom builds on acreage, making it appealing for people desiring a blend of rural charm and reasonable access to regional amenities.