Mebane was named for Alexander Mebane, a Revolutionary War militia colonel, original UNC trustee, and politician who once lived in the area. Known as Mebane's Station when the railroad was built through the area in 1855-56, then Mebaneville, the town was incorporated as Mebanesville in 1881, and in 1883 its name was officially changed to Mebane.
Excerpt of the circa 1850 NC Railroad survey map
