It was originally a small hamlet outside the city until the Industrial Revolution caused the growth of Dundee.

The name Stob derives from the Scots word for a post indicating to travellers that it was one mile (1.6 km) to Dundee.

After the inception of the National Health Service, the poorhouse was renamed The Rowans and later became a hospital and care-home for the elderly.

The building now known as Morgan Academy opened in 1868 as Morgan Hospital, a charitable institution providing accommodation and education for "sons of tradesmen and persons of the working class whose parents stand in the need of assistance".

It also includes a winter Doggyfest, the week-long Stobfest in May, and an annual motor show held by Dundee Museum of Transport.