City of Hillsboro

City of Hillsboro Municipal Water Report Info
From agricultural beginnings to becoming a vital economic center in Texas, Hillsboro boasts a fascinating history. The area was first inhabited by Native American tribes before European and American settlers arrived in the 1830s, establishing what would grow into today's Hillsboro.

Our community features unique historical landmarks that attract visitors: the impressive sequoia trees surrounding the County courthouse, historic downtown facades, pioneer homesteads, family cemeteries, residential districts, and iconic drive-in restaurant signage. Preserving these landmarks celebrates the distinctive features that define Hillsboro for residents and visitors alike.

Statewide Planning Goal 5 requires all municipalities to document historic resources and protect significant sites. Since 1985, Hillsboro has maintained a Cultural Resource Inventory with 81 locations protected under Community Development Code Section 12.27.300. These resources are viewable through PDF guides and interactive Google maps.

The annual Preserving Historic Hillsboro Awards recognize our community's historical treasures and their caretakers. Awards span several categories: stewardship of original private structures, maintenance of public historic buildings, residential restoration projects, adaptive reuse of historic properties, historically appropriate new construction, and special recognition for preservation efforts outside standard categories.

Award winners with properties listed in the Cultural Resource Inventory receive distinctive Hillsboro Heritage Plaques - cast aluminum markers funded jointly by property owners and the City through royalties from Hillsboro publications. As of May 2015, 21 of the 81 designated resources display these Heritage Plaques.

Through the Washington County Heritage Online initiative, over 800 historical photographs of the county are digitally accessible. This collaborative project involves the Washington County Museum, local historical societies, community libraries, and non-profit organizations, partially funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act under Oregon State Library administration. These historic Hillsboro images can be viewed on the Washington County Heritage Organization website.

Occasionally, the City of Hillsboro solicits proposals from Historic Preservation Professionals to review Cultural Resource Alteration applications. No solicitations are currently open.