In 1811, Martin Staley transferred land here to his son Valentine. A year later, Valentine formed the town of Mount Airy, sometimes referred to as Staleytown. The tract was divided into about 72 lots, including Main Street, Cross Street, and a public square. Following Valentine Staley's death in 1817, his wife and children successfully petitioned the General Assembly to sell more lots. With the establishment of a nearby railroad center at what became Rural Retreat and an attack on Mount Airy by Federal troops during the Civil War, Mount Airy ceased to exist about 1875.