City Name
There seems to be no recorded answer as to why the second county seat was named Hillsboro or Hillsborough, as it was often spelled. Some think it was named for the hilly terrain on which it is located. Others believe it was named for Hillsboro, North Carolina, the native state of Hiram Rountree, John Nussman and other early settlers.
Location
Hillsboro is the county seat and is located just 50 miles south of Springfield, IL and 65 miles northeast from St. Louis, MO, the quaint village of Hillsboro is well known throughout central Illinois. Its unique charm, friendly townspeople and enviable lifestyle provides many benefits to Hillsboro residents and visitors alike.
Historical Harkey House
History
The pioneer village of Hillsboro was less than a dozen years old when Solomon Harkey built his two-story Federal style home in 1834. A plain house by today’s standards, it must have seemed a mansion at a time when even the Montgomery County courthouse was a simple log structure. The Harkey family had come to Illinois in 1830 from North Carolina. Solomon established a tannery on the site of the present day Central Park and, later, became a farmer with large land holdings. He was married to Sophia Cress in 1831, and their nine children were raised in this house. When Solomon died in 1892, his obituary stated, “When he came here the greater part of this country was a wild, unbroken wilderness. His history is the history of Hillsboro and Montgomery County.”
Relocation
By 1968, the Harkey House had become the earliest structure remaining in Hillsboro. In use as a warehouse, it was slated for demolition. The Historical Society raised funds to relocate the house, and a lot was selected one block south of the original site. During the moving process, it was discovered that the walls of the house were lined with bricks. Most of these were dislodged during the move, but one portion of a parlor wall has been left unplastered to show the original construction.
Restoration
The house required extensive restoration, much of which was accomplished by devoted members of the Historical Society. Progress was forced to wait on fund raising, and the house was not opened until 1979. The Harkey House has been furnished almost entirely with pieces donated by members and friends of the Society. The furnishings are typical of the middle and late 19th century and were used in Montgomery County homes prior to donation. If the Harkey family could return to their house today, we think they would feel right at home.
The house is located at the corner of Broad and Water Streets.
For More Information:
Contact Janet Carlyle by phone at (217) 532-5642.
The Solomon Harkey House is open on special occasions and by appointment.
Veterans Memorial
Dedication and Location
The Veterans Memorial Committee (VMC) was initially established for the purpose of designing and constructing a memorial to honor local men and who served in any branch of the armed forces. It was to include all local veterans who have been a part of the Hillsboro School District and served from the WWI era to the present day. The memorial was the brainchild of Lt. Col. Bernard Rappe. Bernard did most of the initial legwork and made the early contacts. Brigadier General John Paden then joined the immense project. Due to the efforts of these two gentlemen and many volunteers, the Veterans Memorial came to fruition and was dedicated on Veterans Day Friday, November 11, 2005.
The names of veterans are updated on the stones annually on Memorial Day. Eligible veterans may submit their DD214 for recording at the office of the Montgomery County Clerk & Recorder for consideration to be added to the memorial. The current list of names can be viewed at https://montgomerycountyil.gov/wp-content/uploads/HillsboroVeteransMemorialList2025.pdf
The Hillsboro Area Veterans Memorial is located at the intersection of Illinois Rts. 16 & 127 and is collaboratively maintained by the Veterans Memorial Committee and the City of Hillsboro.
