 Established in 1921 as an original state highway, traversing from NC 23 (today US 701 Bus), in Clarkton, to NC 20 (today NC 72), in Lumberton.In 1930, it was extended south as a new primary routing to US 17/NC 20 (today NC 214), in Bolton.In 1932, it extended north as a new primary routing to NC 70 (today NC 72), in Red Springs.