NC 500: was born as new primary routing in 1933. It initially ran from US 1/ NC 50 (current US 1-A) Youngsville east along today's Tarboro Rd to NC 59 (now US 401) Harris Crossroads (north of Rolesville).
In 1935, NC 500 was extended east as new primary routing 1 mile to NC 581 (now NC 98).
In 1940 or 1941, NC 500 was renumbered as part of NC 98, then later part of NC 96. Also in this timeframe (unclear whether the renumbering was first or the different alignment) the route was changed to run from Youngsville southeast into Wake County as 96 does today.

NC 500 initial routing

NC 500 extended east

NC 500 becomes a rerouted NC 98