Bonlee, (Chatham County), NC was founded in 1884, when it was known as Dunlap Mill. In 1898 it had a post office and was known as Causey, but in 1910 the name was changed to Bonlee with the town being incorporated in 1913: however, the town charter was repealed in the early 30’s. The name Bonlee is derived from a brand of cloth or from a French term meaning “good grassland”.

Southern Railway runs through the community and in 1908 Bonlee became the home office of the Bonlee and Western Railway”, which extended ten miles to Bennett. Its owner, John Dunlap, exchanged passes with other railroads. The railroad still runs through Bonlee today serving its two large chicken feed mills.

Over the years the population of Bonlee has grown, with the number today a conservative 500. The visitor today will find a town very much in control of its growth and destiny. Bonlee boasts one of Chatham County’s schools of excellence as well as a number of businesses and churches.