The town of Raleigh and its citizens were very active in the Civil War; it was home to numerous companies of the Army of Mississippi and a training camp.

In 1863, Raleigh was part of Grierson's Raid which played a major role in the defeat of the Confederate Army at Vicksburg.

[citation needed] As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,094 people, 435 households, and 255 families residing in the town.

At the 2000 census,[6] there were 1,255 people, 482 households and 334 families residing in the town.

28.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Senators have stayed there, including Theodore G. Bilbo and Jefferson Davis.

The Smith County Courthouse is the major focal point of the town.

The current court house was completed in 1912; but a leak in the roof caused the eventual loss of its signature dome.

In 2005, a dedication service was held in honor of a new dome built as a replacement.