The development of Seremban started with the discovery of tin ore in the 1870s just like most major towns in Peninsular Malaysia. The discovery of tin in a nearby area called Rasah, saw an influx of Arab, Malay and Chinese immigrants to work on the mines and trade there. The local Malays also played a very important role towards the development of Seremban.

Seremban initially known as Sungai Ujong flourished not only as a mining area but also as a business center. The Linggi River served as the sole outlet to ferry tin and supplies in and out of the town. Revenue came not only from tin trade but also from the large amount of taxes collected, much to the displeasure of traders and British colonialists in the neighbouring port of Malacca.

The local chieftains namely, the Dato’ Kelana and the Dato’ Shahbandar of Sungai Ujong were at odds with each other on the rights to collect taxes and ownership and control of the mines. The rivalry to assert influence and authority, opened the door for British intervention in Negeri Sembilan. The British sided the Dato’ Kelana upon invitation and defeated the forces of the Dato’ Shahbandar who was later sent to exile in Singapore. In a show of gratitude to the British for helping him win the war, the Dato’ Kelana had no choice but to accept a British Resident whose job was to advice him on matters other than religion and Malay customs.

Captain Murray was appointed the first resident who later set-up his residence at Channer Road, now renamed Jalan Dato’ Siamang Gagap. Soon after, the people living around Rasah moved to Channer Road for security reasons and due to it's orderly administration.

Prior to the Japanese Occupation, Seremban was administered by a local authority headed by the Resident, known as the Health Board (1897). It was instituted through a Government Gazette No. 285 dated September 15, 1899 and had very limited powers. It was confined to providing only basic amenities for the Seremban dwellers.

After the Second World War, Seremban grew rapidly. Many new changes and development took place forcing the Health Board to face new responsibilities which it could no longer shoulder. The Health Board was replaced by the Seremban Town Board (Government Gazette No. 143 dated January 12, 1946) which had greater powers. A British officer, LHN Davis became the Board’s Chairman while the Seremban District Officer, His Highness Raja Azman Bin Raja Sir Chulan was appointed the Board’s Secretary. The Seremban Town Board was the governing authority until 1953, when it was further upgraded and became formally known as the Seremban Town Council.