The town was named for a Baptist minister, who settled in the community in the late 1770’s, and was incorporated around 1881. When the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad was completed it cam through this city and its depot in this town, a wood frame structure circa 1896, is still standing with the help of some restoration. Other buildings in town such as the Bank of Alderson have been restored to create an historic district. The Alderson Federal Prison for Women is located nearby.