Named for a lake that was formed when railroad construction dammed up water across a swamp, Spring Lake has grown slowly but steadily throughout its history. Today, the community is characterized as a modern and thriving town in one of North Carolina's fastest growing regions. Fort Bragg has played a major role in the evolution of Spring Lake, beginning with the first population boom during World War II. Bragg Boulevard, the four-lane "mainline" that links Spring Lake with Fort Bragg and Fayetteville was constructed at that time. The major of Spring Lake residents are either in the military, dependents of military personnel, government civil service employees, or retired military personnel. The presence of Pope Air Force Base along the western border of the town further reinforces these unique demographics. New home construction is brisk in this area, including major subdivisions like Village on the Lake. Fayetteville Technical Community College has also expanded to offer a site at Spring Lake.