Hillsborough Historic District

Hillsborough Historic District is a neighborhood with roughly 550 preserved buildings, structures, and objects spread across a large area around the Eno River. The buildings display various styles from the late 1700s through the early 1900s, including Federal, Greek Revival, and Italianate design.

The district took shape in the late 1700s and grew over the next century, with homes and public buildings added gradually in the architectural styles of their time. This slow development across generations shaped the mix of styles visible today.

The churches scattered throughout reflect the religious beliefs of different communities that made their homes here over generations. They shape how the place looks and show how faith was woven into everyday life.

You can walk through the district and see buildings scattered across several blocks, with most sites easily reached on foot from nearby areas. Start early in the day to explore at a relaxed pace and notice details in each section without feeling rushed.

Several buildings like the Burwell School and Nash Law Office kept their original architectural details even though they look modest from the outside. These subtle features on windows, doors, and roofs are easy to miss but reveal the craftsmanship of earlier times.