The Greatest Small Town in America

The Town of Hillsborough, the county seat of Orange County, has a population of 7,231.  Hillsborough has a long history and interesting history.  Orange County was founded in 1752 and two years later Hillsborough was laid out on land where the Great Indian Trading Path crossed the Eno River.  Local Native-American groups lived in the Hillsborough area for thousands of years by the time European-American settlers discovered the area.  Hillsborough was the scene of some pre-Revolutionary war tensions known as the Regulator Movement or the War of Regulation.  A signer of the Declaration of Independence lived in Hillsborough, William Hooper, and his home still stands.  It was from temporary headquarters near town that General Joseph E. Johnston rode out to surrender the largest of the Confederate armies to General Sherman in 1865.

Present day Hillsborough is home to fine eateries, galleries, and antique shops.  Two farmers markets are available every Saturday and Last Fridays Art Walk is a monthly event where you can visit the galleries, and enjoy music and food in Historic Downtown Hillsborough.

Hillsborough, Orange County is home to many residents of the unincorporated areas of the county (and also the towns of Mebane and Efland).  Rolling hills, farm land, the Eno River, views of Occaneechi Mountain and Pickard Mountain, Cane Creek Reservoir are just some of the beautiful sites you will see in the county.  As you drive along our county roads you will see heritage farms – owned by the same family for over 100 years; dairy farms; organic farms – raising vegetables, fruit, goats, tilapia; bikers enjoying afternoon rides; families enjoying ice cream on a country store’s porch; local farm and garden centers; horse farms and riders; and endless trees.