Loudoun County, Virginia: Town of Hillsboro

Town of Hillsboro

Hillsboro, originally known as the "Gap in the Short Hill," was the site of an ordinary built in 1754 whose visitors included George Washington. A woolen mill was established in 1758 and Quaker families came here from Pennsylvania to further establish the community as a mill town.

In 1802, Thomas Jefferson appointed a postmaster to the newly opened post office and the community became known as Hillsborough. In 1814, a silver mine was filled in to prevent the British from taking it in the War of 1812.

By 1831, Hillsboro's mills flourished. A lumber mill, two flour mills, and the woolen mill operated in the town. In 1880 it was officially incorporated.

Hillsboro is Loudoun's smallest town, both in land area as well as population. It has retained its historic character (the newest building in the town was constructed in 1893!) and maintains considerable charm. Small shops are located in the town; many B&Bs, farms, and wineries are located nearby.