Although the communities of Wisdom and Randolph are 2.5 miles apart, their history is similar.  Wisdom was once called Randolph in honor of "Virginia statesman".  Its post office was established March 21,1846, with Edward V. Cummins as postmaster.  However, all businesses began to close down in the late 1860's and 70's and in 1873, the post office closed.   Residents in a small community about 2.5 miles south petitioned to have the post office moved to that location at the junction of Hwy. 640 and the Mt. Moriah Road.   The request was granted and the location became known as Randolph on August 12, 1873, with Samuel J. Oldham as postmaster. 

About 1890, G. S. Neville built and operated the store at the present site of Wisdom and life returned to the area.  Around 1894, Em Evans took over the general store, petitioned the Post Office Department, submitted the name of Wisdom (suggested by Metcalfe County School Superintendent Henry Wisdom), and the post office was established at the location.

Emanuel Morris of Stausbourg, Germany, opened the first store at New Randolph in 1849-50. Benjamin Turner, Jr. and Shade Turner the operated a store there in the late 1860's.  During the Civil War men would gather at (New) Randolph and practice their marching.  On may 8, 1925, the Randolph school district was established and a new building was built behind the church.  A four year high school operated at the site for a short time.