NC 203 was an original state route that ran from NC 20 (now Richmond Hill Rd) west of Laurinburg to the SC Line at Gibson.
In 1926, NC 203 east was extended along what had been NC 20 across Gum Swamo Creek then north on Old Laurel Hill Rd to the new NC 20 (now US 74) at Elmore Crossroads.

NC 20 original Laurinburg approach

NC 20 direct Laurinburg approach

In 1927 or 1928, NC 203 was rerouted to hit US 74/NC 20 further east near Laurinburg.
In late 1934, NC 203 was renumbered as NC 79.

NC 204 extended to S.C.

NC 79 replaces NC 203