[1] The settlement which became Method was founded by two half-brothers, Jesse Mason and Isaac O'Kelly in 1872, based on a purchase of 69 acres outside Raleigh.

[4] The area was initially known as "Mason's Village" and later also known as Slab Town or Planktown (these latter names given by nearby white community members) and Masonville.

The name "Method Village" was promoted by local business leader Berry O'Kelly, who had moved from Chapel Hill at the age of 10 and grew up there.

[3] A park in the community is named for educator and civil rights leader Harveleigh Monte Rivera White.

[5] The Historic District includes the St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, built in 1923 and extended to the rear in 1999.