The Iron Gate is sent regularly to active Hillsboro Heritage League members, and posted in the Reporter Newspaper. See the archives below, and send us an email to express your interest in becoming a supporting member or contributor of what we do.
Annual Spring Fling June 10th 2023
Mark your calendar and purchase your tickets ASAP for a Spring evening you won’t want to miss! Join us for our Annual Spring Fling with a fun night full of great food and laughter! We will provide a fabulous spread from the one and only Tony’s Backyard BBQ. WHEN: June 10, 2023 at 6pm WHERE: 308…
Continue ReadingHistoric Architecture…Key to Heritage Tourism
The Reporter, Hillsboro Texas, Thursday, December 17, 2015 According to the Texas Historical Commission, people who enjoy traveling to locations that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present are “heritage tourists.” Tourism in Texas is a $65 billion industry with 220 million visitors and 63 percent report that they “seek travel…
Continue ReadingThe Town that Cotton Built
Glimpse of the Past: Sept 25, 2014 Hillsboro: The Town that Cotton Built The City of Hillsboro traces its roots back to September 1853 when lots were drawn and sold in the Steiner Donation that today is Historic Downtown Hillsboro. For the first 30 years, Hillsboro was a dusty, frontier town known as a center…
Continue ReadingThomas Slater Smith
Thomas Slater Smith…Hillsboro’s Political Giant at the Dawn of the 20th Century The Reporter…Hillsboro, Texas…Thursday, August 7, 2014…Page 6B Since the 1880’s, Hillsboro has been known for producing cotton, cattle, and politicians. Recent history touts the political fame and accomplishments of the likes of State Senator, Texas Secretary of State and Attorney General Crawford Martin;…
Continue ReadingDowntown Points to Hillsboro’s Future
When Hillsboro was laid out and lots sold in September 1853, the hardy residents were consumed with a syndrome known as “tyranny of the urgent.” So much to be done, buildings to be erected, marketing to take root, families to raise, cattle to tend, crops to grow and market… no time for reflection or serious…
Continue ReadingHeritage League Hosts Speaker Brent Hull
The Hillsboro Heritage League hosts an afternoon with master builder and millwork specialist Brent Hull! SaturdayApril 15, 20232-4pm Bring your love of historical buildings and homes, and enjoy an informative and entertaining afternoon. Bring your questions too! THIS EVENT IS FREE TO THE PUBLIC!115 S. Waco Street at our historic City Hall BRENT HULL…
Continue ReadingChristmas Spirit in Hillsboro… Christmas in 1914 Hillsboro
Christmas Spirit in Hillsboro… 1914 December 1914 saw the end of an eventful year in American history … In May, Mother’s Day became a national holiday, and in June, the assassination of the Archduke in Austria led to the opening of hostilities that became World War I. In July, Babe Ruth launched his baseball career…
Continue ReadingHillsboro Library Marks Centennial
Hillsboro Library Building Marks Centennial Glimpse of the Past, The Hillsboro Reporter, Thursday, January 22, 2015, Page 4B The Hillsboro City Library at 118 South Waco Street is one of the historic architectural gems in the City of Hillsboro. The building opened as the new United States Post Office in 1915, and served the…
Continue ReadingPresident Teddy Roosevelt Visits Hillsboro
In Hillsboro’s history there is documented evidence of high anticipation and excitement when influential people stopped by to visit. Residents recall the visits of Willie Nelson in concerts for fund-raising for Hill County Courthouse restoration and the presence of President-elect George W. Bush at the courthouse re-dedication. Others recall the time that Elvis Presley and…
Continue ReadingLiving Legacy of the Terrell Gaines Hawkins Family
A popular game after Christmas is to fashion New Year’s Resolutions that project hopes and dreams for the year (or decade) ahead. The Hillsboro Chamber has developed a list of individuals to its Hall of Fame and now Hill College presents Pillars of the Community. Legacy frequently is defined as that which someone leaves behind…
Continue ReadingJuneteenth In Hillsboro, Texas
The Reporter… Hillsboro Texas… June 19, 2014 Juneteenth In Hillsboro Communities and cultures look for reasons to gather with family and friends to celebrate and to remember. Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and public holidays all are occasion for backyard grilling, time at the park, and visiting. In the 21st Century Memorial Day, Labor Day, July Fourth,…
Continue ReadingR&K Café II Occupies Historic Interurban Substation
Hillsboro Reporter, Hillsboro Texas, December 2017 This week will see a gathering in Dallas of the Southwestern Railroad Conference, and topics on the agenda include “Plans for a Bullet Train from Dallas to Houston in 90 minutes” and “What rails will look like in 2050?” It was over 100 years ago that a similar initiative…
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