The history of Erwin dates only from the 1900's, but the community is located in an area rich in history that stretches back to colonial times, Erwin is located near the site of the old settlement of Averasboro, which finds mention in accounts of both the Revolutionary War and the War Between the States. It lies on the east side of the Cape Fear River on low, but well drained lands which, in their original state, were heavily wooded.