Hillsboro

 Hillsboro west virginia

Hillsboro is a small town located in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, with a population of 232 as of the 2020 census[1]. Founded in 1843, it is the oldest incorporated town in the county and has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century[2][3].

The town was named after pioneer John Hill, who built a log cabin in the area[1]. Hillsboro's history is closely tied to education, with the Little Levels Academy established in 1842 and later evolving into various educational institutions[1].

Hillsboro is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Pearl S. Buck, the famous author and Nobel Prize winner[1][4]. Her birthplace, now a museum on the National Register of Historic Places, is a popular attraction for visitors[1].

The town hosts the annual Little Levels Heritage Fair in late June, celebrating the region's history[1]. Other points of interest include the Yew Mountain Center, local craft shops, and nearby natural attractions such as Watoga State Park, Droop Mountain Battlefield, and the Highland Scenic Highway[1].

Hillsboro's picturesque location in the Monongahela National Forest area makes it a gateway to various outdoor recreational opportunities and scenic drives[1][4].

Citations:
[1] Hillsboro https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillsboro,_West_Virginia
[2] Welcome to Hillsboro, West Virginia - WV.gov https://local.wv.gov/hillsboro/Pages/default.aspx
[3] Hillsboro https://hillsborowv.com
[4] Hillsboro, WV: All You Must Know Before You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g59165-What is the history behind the Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park

Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park preserves the site of a significant Civil War battle that took place on November 6, 1863. The battle was part of the Union's efforts to disrupt Confederate supply lines and control West Virginia.

Key points about the battle and park's history:

1. Union forces led by Brigadier General William W. Averell clashed with Confederate troops under Brigadier General John Echols[1].

2. The Confederates initially held the high ground, but were eventually overwhelmed by the Union's larger force[3].

3. This was West Virginia's last significant Civil War battle, effectively ending organized Confederate resistance in the state[1][3].

4. The battlefield site was purchased by West Virginia in 1928 and dedicated as a state park on July 4, 1929, making it West Virginia's first state park[1][3].

5. The Civilian Conservation Corps helped develop the park in the 1930s, building trails and an observation tower[3].

6. Today, the 267-acre park features a museum housed in a restored CCC cabin, hiking trails, picnic areas, and interpretive signage about the battle[1][2].

7. The park hosts reenactments of the battle in October of even-numbered years[1].

8. Droop Mountain Battlefield is part of the Civil War Discovery Trail, linking over 300 historical sites across 16 states[1].

The park serves as both a memorial to those who fought and died there and as a recreational area, offering visitors a chance to explore Civil War history and enjoy the natural beauty of the Greenbrier Valley region.

Citations:
[1] Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park - West Virginia State Parks https://wvstateparks.com/park/droop-mountain-battlefield-state-park/
[2] History & Picnics at Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park https://wvstateparks.com/civil-war-history-and-natural-beauty-meet-at-droop-mountain-battlefield-state-park/
[3] Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park - Pocahontas County, WV https://pocahontascountywv.com/company/droop-mountain-battlefield-state-park/
[4] Battle of Droop Mountain - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Droop_Mountain
[5] Droop Mountain Battlefield - West Virginia Ghost Stories, Legends ... https://westvirginiahauntsandlegends.com/Droop_Mountain_Battlefield.htm
-Vacations.html

[5] Hillsboro, WV Map & Directions - MapQuest https://www.mapquest.com/us/west-virginia/hillsboro-wv-282029769
What is the history behind the Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park

Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park preserves the site of a significant Civil War battle that took place on November 6, 1863. The battle was part of the Union's efforts to disrupt Confederate supply lines and control West Virginia.

Key points about the battle and park's history:

1. Union forces led by Brigadier General William W. Averell clashed with Confederate troops under Brigadier General John Echols[1].

2. The Confederates initially held the high ground, but were eventually overwhelmed by the Union's larger force[3].

3. This was West Virginia's last significant Civil War battle, effectively ending organized Confederate resistance in the state[1][3].

4. The battlefield site was purchased by West Virginia in 1928 and dedicated as a state park on July 4, 1929, making it West Virginia's first state park[1][3].

5. The Civilian Conservation Corps helped develop the park in the 1930s, building trails and an observation tower[3].

6. Today, the 267-acre park features a museum housed in a restored CCC cabin, hiking trails, picnic areas, and interpretive signage about the battle[1][2].

7. The park hosts reenactments of the battle in October of even-numbered years[1].

8. Droop Mountain Battlefield is part of the Civil War Discovery Trail, linking over 300 historical sites across 16 states[1].

The park serves as both a memorial to those who fought and died there and as a recreational area, offering visitors a chance to explore Civil War history and enjoy the natural beauty of the Greenbrier Valley region.

Citations:
[1] Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park - West Virginia State Parks https://wvstateparks.com/park/droop-mountain-battlefield-state-park/
[2] History & Picnics at Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park https://wvstateparks.com/civil-war-history-and-natural-beauty-meet-at-droop-mountain-battlefield-state-park/
[3] Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park - Pocahontas County, WV https://pocahontascountywv.com/company/droop-mountain-battlefield-state-park/
[4] Battle of Droop Mountain - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Droop_Mountain
[5] Droop Mountain Battlefield - West Virginia Ghost Stories, Legends ... https://westvirginiahauntsandlegends.com/Droop_Mountain_Battlefield.htm

Brigadier General John Echols[1].

Brigadier General John Echols was a significant Confederate military leader during the American Civil War. Born on March 20, 1823, Echols served the Confederacy in various capacities throughout the conflict[2].

Key points about John Echols:

1. He voted for Virginia's secession and quickly offered his services to the Confederate cause[2].

2. Echols began his military career as a lieutenant colonel, gathering volunteers for Joseph E. Johnston's army[2].

3. He commanded the 27th Virginia Infantry and fought at the First Battle of Manassas under Stonewall Jackson[2].

4. Promoted to brigadier general on April 16, 1862, after being wounded at the First Battle of Kernstown[2].

5. Echols commanded Confederate forces at the Battle of Droop Mountain[2].

6. He led Breckinridge's right wing at the Battle of New Market in 1864[2].

7. Near the war's end, Echols was assigned command of the western department of Virginia[2].

After the war, Echols resumed his law practice in Staunton, Virginia, and later served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1878 to 1881[2]. He also became involved in railroad management and banking[2]. Echols died on May 24, 1896, in Staunton, where he is buried in Thornrose Cemetery[2][3].

Citations:
[1] John Echols | Civil War Wiki | Fandom https://civilwar-history.fandom.com/wiki/John_Echols
[2] John Echols - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Echols
[3] John Echols (1823-1896) - Find a Grave Memorial https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/10861/john-echols
[4] John Echols | American Battlefield Trust https://www.battlefields.org/learn/biographies/john-echols
[5] Brig. Gen. John Echols House - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brig._Gen._John_Echols_House
What was John Echols' involvement in the Committee of Nine

Based on the search results, John Echols was involved with the Committee of Nine in the following ways:

1. He helped select the members of the Committee of Nine, which was a group of state leaders who worked to ensure that Virginia would be readmitted to the Union and that former Confederates could once again hold political office[3][5].

2. Echols was part of a committee of three, along with F. G. Ruffin and James D. Johnston, appointed by Alexander H. H. Stuart, who was the chairman of the Committee of Nine[1].

3. As part of this smaller committee, Echols met with various newspapers to publish the "Senex" articles, which were likely related to the Committee's efforts. Some newspapers refused to publish these articles, but after Echols and Sutherlin visited the Richmond Whig, editor Alexander Mosely agreed to publish them[1].

4. The Committee of Nine's main goal was to secure separate votes on Virginia's new state constitution and the provision that continued to disenfranchise former Confederates. Echols' involvement helped in this effort to restore Virginia to the Union and regain political rights for ex-Confederates[1][3].

Citations:
[1] Committee of Nine - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Committee_of_Nine
[2] echols - Oocities https://www.oocities.org/cannonball50x/echols.html.tmp
[3] Confederate Brig. General John Echols, CSA - Medical Antiques https://www.medicalantiques.com/civilwar/Civil_War_Articles/General_John_Echols.htm
[4] John Echols - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Echols
[5] John Echols | Civil War Wiki | Fandom https://civilwar-history.fandom.com/wiki/John_Echols