The MISSION of the Town of Rowlesburg is to serve as a positive force working with our community, business and property owners to preserve, enhance, and promote our historic downtown as a vibrant destination for residents and visitors to gather, shop, work, and enjoy.

Our VISION is to preserve and enhance our unique and growing community, widely known for its historic charm and small-town feel. To sustain a vital downtown that enriches the business community, embraces history, celebrates the arts, preserves our natural environment, encourages tourism and local spending and promotes quality events that instill a welcoming atmosphere and ‘sense of place’ in our community.

It was named for Thomas Rowles, a railroad engineer. During the American Civil War, its two Baltimore and Ohio Railroad bridges crossing the Cheat River and Tray Run were of great strategic importance. Confederate troops led by General Robert S. Garnett failed to reach Rowlesburg in 1861, but the 1863 Jones–Imboden Raid did reach the town. However, Union troops and townsmen called out of their churches on Sunday morning, April 26, 1863 successfully defended the town and "Lincoln's lifeline," so General William E. Jones retreated and later court-martialed a subordinate.

The Downtown Rowlesburg Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.