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Tuesday, October 17, 2023

Lesson: History of Hillsboro WV

 Small town. Image 1 of 4

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Hillsboro, West Virginia is the oldest incorporated town in Pocahontas County. It was named after Richard Hill, a pioneer from North Carolina who built a log cabin near what is now Lobelia. Most of the early settlers were Scots-Irish and worked in agriculture and stock raising.

In the 1800s, the town of Hillsboro centered on the educational institution Little Levels Academy. Established in 1842, the school closed 18 years later at the onset of the Civil War. In 1865, the county purchased the building and ran it as a public school through the 1880s, and it became a school of higher order for boys called Hillsboro Academy. The basement of the Methodist Church served as a school of high order for girls called Hillsboro College, or Little Levels Seminary. Eventually the brick Academy was torn down and replaced by a wood-frame school for both boys and girls. Later the school was re-built in brick as Hillsboro High School.

During the Civil War, Brigadier General W.W. Averell camped in Hillsboro in 1863 before the Battle of Droop Mountain, as well as after his raid on Salem, Virginia. Union forces led by General Averell, after camping at Hillsboro, defeated a Confederate army under General John Echols, ending the last serious Confederate presence in the state.

The author Pearl S. Buck was born in Hillsboro in 1892. Her birthplace, Stulting House, is preserved as a museum.

Today, Hillsboro is a small town with a population of just over 200 people. It is located in a farming region and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests. The town is home to several historic buildings, including the Pearl S. Buck Birthplace Museum, the Hillsboro Methodist Church, and the Hillsboro Community Center.

Hillsboro is also a popular destination for tourists who enjoy outdoor recreation. The town is located near several state parks and forests, including Watoga State Park, Calvin Price State Forest, and Cranberry Glades Botanical Area. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting in these areas.

The town of Hillsboro is a special place with a rich history and culture. It is a great place to visit for those who are looking for a quiet and peaceful getaway.

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