[Hillsborough]

ematchar — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 16:56:47 -0400

Hillsborough sits on the western edge of the Triangle as the seat of Orange County. It is a picturesque town of around 6,000 residents, known for its abundance of local artists and writers. The town's location at the junction of interstates 40 and 85 makes it an attractive commute to Raleigh to the east and Greensboro to the west. The town has been growing rapidly, more than 20 percent in the 1990s, with the growth continuing in this decade.

What are the local attractions?

Historic downtown Hillsborough has become a major tourist attraction, with a wealth of cafes, boutiques and more than 100 historic buildings. Strolling by the Eno or on the grounds of the Ayr Mount estate are also popular activities. One of the major events in town is Hillsborough Hog Day in June. The Hillsborough Christmas Candlelight Tour provides a glimpse into historic homes, buildings and churches. The Orange County Visitor Bureau has comprehensive lists of attractions, shops and restaurants.

Whats's the history?

Hillsborough was first settled by the Occaneechi Indians. It was incorporated as a town in 1754 and was almost the state capital. In its early years, Hillsborough was a major stop for Americans heading west and south. A signer of the Declaration of Independence, William Hooper, used to live in Hillsborough and his house still stands here. The Regulator uprising took place here during the years before Revolutionary War and the town played a role in the Civil War, housing Confederate troops on their way to the final surrender at Bennett Place.

Who runs the town?

Hillsborough is governed by a six-member elected town board. For a list of members, their contact information and meeting agendas, visit Hillsborough Town Government. Some Hillsborough services are town-only, others are shared with the rest of Orange County. See Hillsborough Services for a complete list of town services..

Who lives here?

The median age in Hillsborough was 35.6 as of the 2000 census. The racial breakdown is 60.3 percent white, 34.8 percent black, and .6 percent Asian. Hispanics or Latinos of any race make up 2.8 percent of the population. Bachelors degrees or higher are held by 25 percent of the population over 25.

What about public safety?

Police services are provided by the Hillsborough Police Department. Here are the crime statistics for 2006 (source: SBI):

Murder: 0

Rape: 1

Robbery: 11

Aggravated Assault: 36

Burglary: 69

Larcenies: 208

Motor Vehicle Theft: 23

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[Hillsborough]