Durham originated in 1853 with the search for a suitable railroad depot for the North Carolina Railroad between Wilson and Hillsborough. Herndon's post office had been established in the area since 1827, and another was created in 1836 and was named Prattsburg. The land owners at Prattsburg neglected to sell the land to the railroad. Northwest of the land a physician named Bartlett S. Durham lived and practiced his work along the route. He then donated the land to the railroad, which resulted in the name and creation of the Durham Station.